Today the blog world is supporting Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez--- read other post at http://www.babalublog.com/
Help Fariñas Hernandez!!!!
Monday, March 27, 2006
STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART REGARDING "MR. MAS' LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH"
The following is a press release from Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart in response to Jose Mas-Santos letter to President Bush............
Miami, FL - Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) issued the following statement today with regard to the "letter to President Bush" that Mr. Jorge Mas Santos and his organization are paying to have published in various newspapers:
"My phone number is in the telephone book and they would have saved themselves some confusion if they had called me.
I have never said that I would support unilateral changes to the Helms-Burton law, nor that I would accept a provisional government led by any of the Castro brothers.
I have fought intensely throughout the years against any changes to the Helms-Burton law and will continue to do so, including many much smaller changes than those.
Perhaps it would have been useful if they had called me, for they are taking as fact incorrect assertions in the press that have distorted my positions.
Precisely the reason for which I insist upon the return of sovereignty to the Cuban people through multiparty elections, is so that no transitional government that continues the dictatorship can be acceptable, led either by the Castro brothers, Alarcón, Colomé Ibarra, Ramiro Valdés, etc. To me there is no difference between any of them. None of them has nor would have any legitimacy. The only legitimate government would be one that is the result of free and multiparty elections.
I do not disagree with the positions on Helms-Burton in this letter by Mr. Mas. What is unfortunate is that he insinuates that our community is divided, when it is not. He could have prevented that insinuation with a simple telephone call. The saddest part of this is that Mr. Mas and his group spend large amounts of money to divide our community instead of trying to help us fight the dictatorship."
###
Miami, FL - Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) issued the following statement today with regard to the "letter to President Bush" that Mr. Jorge Mas Santos and his organization are paying to have published in various newspapers:
"My phone number is in the telephone book and they would have saved themselves some confusion if they had called me.
I have never said that I would support unilateral changes to the Helms-Burton law, nor that I would accept a provisional government led by any of the Castro brothers.
I have fought intensely throughout the years against any changes to the Helms-Burton law and will continue to do so, including many much smaller changes than those.
Perhaps it would have been useful if they had called me, for they are taking as fact incorrect assertions in the press that have distorted my positions.
Precisely the reason for which I insist upon the return of sovereignty to the Cuban people through multiparty elections, is so that no transitional government that continues the dictatorship can be acceptable, led either by the Castro brothers, Alarcón, Colomé Ibarra, Ramiro Valdés, etc. To me there is no difference between any of them. None of them has nor would have any legitimacy. The only legitimate government would be one that is the result of free and multiparty elections.
I do not disagree with the positions on Helms-Burton in this letter by Mr. Mas. What is unfortunate is that he insinuates that our community is divided, when it is not. He could have prevented that insinuation with a simple telephone call. The saddest part of this is that Mr. Mas and his group spend large amounts of money to divide our community instead of trying to help us fight the dictatorship."
###
Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez
This week Congress will debate the Online Freedom of Speech Act, sponsored by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas).
It's a bit ironic that while Members in Congress fight on our freedom to blog, others are dying because they want to access the internet.
Today as we speak, a man sits in Cuba, holding on to his last moments on life. His name is Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez, an independent journalist and a freedom fighter who believes in the freedom of information. Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez has gone without food or water for 57 days!!
For years he has been attacked by the socialist government. Now he is on a hunger strike to show the world that freedom is not free and Cuba is not what Fidel makes it out to be.
Cuba is a place where a free thought is a dirty secret, and an independent soul is just as bad a death sentence. Cuba is a place where "happiness" only exisits in moments and the brutality of life are sometimes too much of a harsh reality for many to bear.
Please stand by Fariñas. Write or call your Congressman tell them about Fariñas needs freedom to explore the internet as well.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
FIU Gets Med School!!
Today is a VERY proud day to be a FIU (Florida International Univeristy) alumni.
The University just got approved to open a medical school!! Woohoo.... not only does this give access to thousands of students that want to pursue a degree in medicine but do not have the incomes to afford private institutions in the area, but it makes FIU so much better...
YEAH to all my gold panthers out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The University just got approved to open a medical school!! Woohoo.... not only does this give access to thousands of students that want to pursue a degree in medicine but do not have the incomes to afford private institutions in the area, but it makes FIU so much better...
YEAH to all my gold panthers out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Matt Drudge
On today's Drudge Report, front and center is a huge picture of Fidel Castro with the tag line reading: Former aide spills the dirt on Fidel Castro...
The Drudge Report maybe one the most read news bloggs in the country. EVERYONE reads it.
The tag line links to a good story about Fidel's ex body guard. The body guard, Fernandez, who appears regularly on Oscar Haza and channel 41 in Miami, talked about some Cuban realities like:
"What happened was, the course he took with the revolution was wrong. It has dissolved into this unstoppable, insatiable corruption without limits, a vast lie. The people are in misery. Cuba's people have been enslaved as cheap labor for foreign businessmen.''
The article appeared in today's Miami Herald (link below). Hopefully more people will learn the horrible truth about Cuba!!.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/14163977.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
The Drudge Report maybe one the most read news bloggs in the country. EVERYONE reads it.
The tag line links to a good story about Fidel's ex body guard. The body guard, Fernandez, who appears regularly on Oscar Haza and channel 41 in Miami, talked about some Cuban realities like:
"What happened was, the course he took with the revolution was wrong. It has dissolved into this unstoppable, insatiable corruption without limits, a vast lie. The people are in misery. Cuba's people have been enslaved as cheap labor for foreign businessmen.''
The article appeared in today's Miami Herald (link below). Hopefully more people will learn the horrible truth about Cuba!!.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/14163977.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Thank You!
Just wanted to take a moment and thank all of those who have been so kind. Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts. God bless you.
Monday, March 20, 2006
A prayer for our fallen Patriots
I have been away from blogging for a while, though I often found reasons to add my two cents to the virtual debate, my heart wasn’t in it. The reason because one of my greatest inspirations, and a wonderful Cuban patriot died recently, she was (is) my grandmother.
Last month the world lost a beautiful soul who radiated with life and love. Who taught her children, grand children and great grandchildren to be strong, independent, compassionate and to love a country they had never seen. Her stories made the brilliant tropical island come alive in our heads, and her food made it come alive to our senses.
In her youth my grandma flew planes over la Bahia de Nipe. She got to meet Amelia Earheart. She drove cars and won countless dance competitions. She ran a few businesses (in Cuba and the U.S). Cuban President Prio said she was “La estampa de la mujer Cubana.” A quote she was most found of, as you can imagine. She wrote poetry and short stories and often appeared on Spanish radio talking about Cuba. She raised a family while her husband was taken political prisoner in Cuba for 14 years.
For the last few weeks I have been overwhelmed with the possibility of her death, staying with her at the hospital and praying for a miracle. She passed after two weeks of being gravely ill. (the hospital care did not help!!) I know she is a much happier place now, at the side of the Lord, joined with my grandfather and family. Yet, my family here on earth will never be the same, as my grandmother was the light of our lives and the glue that kept us together.
She taught us to be proud Cubans. I can remember countless times reciting Jose Marti, being soaked with colognia de violeta and Mirta de Perales products, learning how to cook Cuban food and memorizing the history of our proud Caribbean island.
I often laugh that I am the typical Carmensita of “Que Pasa USA?”.And my grandmother was just like her abuela. She chaperoned me and made me always speak Spanish but wanted to be hip with her few English phrases. Like telling my “amigitos” things like “gate-oda-he” which really meant “get out of here.” Till her final days she joked around, danced and love to be silly while being the perfect portrait of a lady.
Not only am I torn with the reality that I will never see her again or hear her comforting voice. Not only do I pain over the fact I will I never receive her advice again. What I abhor the most, what hurts me the most, is the reality that she is another Cuban patriot who will never see a free Cuba.
Day after day members of our Cuban-American community die in exile, never seeing the native home they left behind so many years ago.
During her funeral services the Deacon leading us in prayer told us to pray for our Cuban brother and sisters, and to pray for a free Cuba. He also asked us to pray for the countless of families who have been separated by this revolution. The Deacon reminded that as much as we grieve over her death that we were lucky to have her. So many unfortunate families are never reunited.
I guess we are one of the lucky ones. Most of us at one point made it to the U.S. I was lucky to have her in my life. I was lucky to have such an inspiring and trailblazing woman in my life. I was lucky I could say goodbye and be there at her funeral surrounded by my family. But oh how I miss her.
Vaya con Dios querida abuelita. Te quiero con todo mi corazón.
Today try to pray for all of those families separated by the Cuban dictator. Pray for their peaceful reunification.
Last month the world lost a beautiful soul who radiated with life and love. Who taught her children, grand children and great grandchildren to be strong, independent, compassionate and to love a country they had never seen. Her stories made the brilliant tropical island come alive in our heads, and her food made it come alive to our senses.
In her youth my grandma flew planes over la Bahia de Nipe. She got to meet Amelia Earheart. She drove cars and won countless dance competitions. She ran a few businesses (in Cuba and the U.S). Cuban President Prio said she was “La estampa de la mujer Cubana.” A quote she was most found of, as you can imagine. She wrote poetry and short stories and often appeared on Spanish radio talking about Cuba. She raised a family while her husband was taken political prisoner in Cuba for 14 years.
For the last few weeks I have been overwhelmed with the possibility of her death, staying with her at the hospital and praying for a miracle. She passed after two weeks of being gravely ill. (the hospital care did not help!!) I know she is a much happier place now, at the side of the Lord, joined with my grandfather and family. Yet, my family here on earth will never be the same, as my grandmother was the light of our lives and the glue that kept us together.
She taught us to be proud Cubans. I can remember countless times reciting Jose Marti, being soaked with colognia de violeta and Mirta de Perales products, learning how to cook Cuban food and memorizing the history of our proud Caribbean island.
I often laugh that I am the typical Carmensita of “Que Pasa USA?”.And my grandmother was just like her abuela. She chaperoned me and made me always speak Spanish but wanted to be hip with her few English phrases. Like telling my “amigitos” things like “gate-oda-he” which really meant “get out of here.” Till her final days she joked around, danced and love to be silly while being the perfect portrait of a lady.
Not only am I torn with the reality that I will never see her again or hear her comforting voice. Not only do I pain over the fact I will I never receive her advice again. What I abhor the most, what hurts me the most, is the reality that she is another Cuban patriot who will never see a free Cuba.
Day after day members of our Cuban-American community die in exile, never seeing the native home they left behind so many years ago.
During her funeral services the Deacon leading us in prayer told us to pray for our Cuban brother and sisters, and to pray for a free Cuba. He also asked us to pray for the countless of families who have been separated by this revolution. The Deacon reminded that as much as we grieve over her death that we were lucky to have her. So many unfortunate families are never reunited.
I guess we are one of the lucky ones. Most of us at one point made it to the U.S. I was lucky to have her in my life. I was lucky to have such an inspiring and trailblazing woman in my life. I was lucky I could say goodbye and be there at her funeral surrounded by my family. But oh how I miss her.
Vaya con Dios querida abuelita. Te quiero con todo mi corazón.
Today try to pray for all of those families separated by the Cuban dictator. Pray for their peaceful reunification.
'7 Mile Bridge' Cubans To get Immigration Papers
According to Miami CBS News 4 the 14 Cubans who reached land by landing on the 7 mile bridge ave been approved entry into the U.S.!!! (It's about time!! But the sad reality is what are the chances that castro allows the 14 to leave the island? It is a very sad reality that we must all face....)
Full story below
(CBS4 News) MIAMI --The Cubans denied entry to the US because they landed on a pier of the old 7-mile Bridge instead of on actual US soil are on step closer to returning to the land the were trying to reach.
A federal judge has approved an agreement granting the 14 Cuban migrants entry into the United States.The 14 Cubans, all of whom were repatriated to their homeland after decisions by the US Coast Guard and US Immigration officials, will be given proper immigration papers within ten days of the judge's approval of the agreement.
In return, the US government will drop its planned appeal of the judge's ruling that the Cubans had legitimately reached American shores at the bridge and that they had been illegally returned to Cuba.
The agreement also requires that the judge vacate his previous order against the U-S government, removing a potential legal precedent for lawyers to use against federal officials in future Cuban immigration controversies.
There are still no guarantees that Cuba will let the group leave the island. The Cubans thought they reached their destination in January when their boat landed at an abandoned bridge in the Florida Keys. Federal lawyers had argued that the bridge did not count as dry land because sections of the bridge are missing and it no longer connects to U-S soil. The U-S "wet foot/dry foot" policy calls for most Cubans who reach U-S soil to be allowed to stay, while those intercepted at sea are generally returned to Cuba.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Full story below
(CBS4 News) MIAMI --The Cubans denied entry to the US because they landed on a pier of the old 7-mile Bridge instead of on actual US soil are on step closer to returning to the land the were trying to reach.
A federal judge has approved an agreement granting the 14 Cuban migrants entry into the United States.The 14 Cubans, all of whom were repatriated to their homeland after decisions by the US Coast Guard and US Immigration officials, will be given proper immigration papers within ten days of the judge's approval of the agreement.
In return, the US government will drop its planned appeal of the judge's ruling that the Cubans had legitimately reached American shores at the bridge and that they had been illegally returned to Cuba.
The agreement also requires that the judge vacate his previous order against the U-S government, removing a potential legal precedent for lawyers to use against federal officials in future Cuban immigration controversies.
There are still no guarantees that Cuba will let the group leave the island. The Cubans thought they reached their destination in January when their boat landed at an abandoned bridge in the Florida Keys. Federal lawyers had argued that the bridge did not count as dry land because sections of the bridge are missing and it no longer connects to U-S soil. The U-S "wet foot/dry foot" policy calls for most Cubans who reach U-S soil to be allowed to stay, while those intercepted at sea are generally returned to Cuba.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
The Anti-Photo Op
Too good not to post....Senator Stabenow on the senate floor with a very interesting sign. Keep your eyes open for a commercial on this later this year poking fun at her...
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Novak, Bolton and Kirkpatrick OH MY!
Last post on CPAC....
Friday night was just about Cuban praise I also got to meet Robert Novak, Ambassador Kirkpatrick, Ambassador John Bolton and many more (Delay, Gov. Perry, etc...)
When I introduced myself to Ambassador Kirkpatrick I thanked her for all her work on behalf of the Cuban people and her dedication to our cause. She shock my hand and said she did love us very much and then she hailed over Ambassador Bolton saying, "John, this is a Cuban-American come over and meet her."
I think at that moment I had to pinch myself. As I greeted the both of them and got a picture I must say, I felt like the luckiest person in the world.
Novak was larger then life. He is a robust man with a deep voice. Each feature on his face appears to be sculpted in with depth and purpose. That night at CPAC he was to be honored and Sam Donaldson was going to present him. I had a chance to pose for a picture with both and did so, but Novak wasn't excited, he tells me, loudly, "He shouldn't be here!' (Donaldson that is)... it was all in jest as the two reporters have known each other for years....
another great night at CPAC.
Friday night was just about Cuban praise I also got to meet Robert Novak, Ambassador Kirkpatrick, Ambassador John Bolton and many more (Delay, Gov. Perry, etc...)
When I introduced myself to Ambassador Kirkpatrick I thanked her for all her work on behalf of the Cuban people and her dedication to our cause. She shock my hand and said she did love us very much and then she hailed over Ambassador Bolton saying, "John, this is a Cuban-American come over and meet her."
I think at that moment I had to pinch myself. As I greeted the both of them and got a picture I must say, I felt like the luckiest person in the world.
Novak was larger then life. He is a robust man with a deep voice. Each feature on his face appears to be sculpted in with depth and purpose. That night at CPAC he was to be honored and Sam Donaldson was going to present him. I had a chance to pose for a picture with both and did so, but Novak wasn't excited, he tells me, loudly, "He shouldn't be here!' (Donaldson that is)... it was all in jest as the two reporters have known each other for years....
another great night at CPAC.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Cuban honored at CPAC
At tonight's CPAC dinner a fellow Cuba, Manuel "Manny" Miranda, was honored for his work in the judiciary committee and standing up to Democrat in what is infamously known in DC as "Memogate."In 2004 Miranda was working for the Judiciary Committee and was a top judicial aide for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.). While working on the committee he uncovered some memos written by the Democrats, and clearly the Dems were upset. They attacked Miranda.
Many Republicans, and especially Senator Hatch, buckled and fired Miranda. Though he did nothing illgeal.
What really brought Miranda to another level was when he created the National Coalition to End Judicial Filibusters from his lap top from home. The goup was built to pressure Republican senators to use the “nuclear option,” a parliamentary tactic that would takes away of the minority party - Dems- of filibustering judicial nominees.
to read more go to http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/110905/news4.html
When accepting his award at CPAC's dinner on Friday night Miranda was almost to tears. He thanked everyone that supported him during the last VERY hard few years. He also thanked the United States for accepting his family into this great country and providing him with the wonderful opportunities of a free society.
Also honored was Ms. Kilo of the US Supreme Court case about eminent domain.
The evil people of the Minute Man Project
Still at CPAC and 
oh what a day what a day!
I just met Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minute Man project.
For those of you that have the pleasure of not knowing Jim Gilchrist, his organization, the Minute Man Project, basically advocates deporting anyone whose last name ends in a vowel (aka Mexicans, aka Hispanics, aka anyone who speaks Spanish!) He and his followers say that Gilchrist “believes that he may have been chosen by God to protect our boarders from the 'invasion' and the “Reconquista” of America by “illegal aliens,” primarily Mexicans, who kill our children and endanger the American way of life.”
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Gilchrist came to meet me as my organization has been fighting tooth and nail against him and his ideas. Flanked by his political director and his executive director they came over to introduce themselves.
Their Executive Director, a taller fellow, dressed in a blue suit introduced Gilchrist. I am not sure if my expression of absolute abhorrent was overly apparent but I tried to contain myself. Gilchrist was proper, introduced himself. I was polite myself and shook his hand.
What I really wanted to say was “How do you feel after you lost the race?” as he recently lost in election in California in one of the most conservative districts in the nation. I contained myself as my mother told me if I didn’t have anything nice to say not to say anything at all. After our short introduction his political director introduced herself. Her bleach blond hair was overwhelming with its very “Barbie” characteristics. With her little dog in tow she was also polite game me her card.
I had run out of my cards but gave them my contact information. Part of me was upset I was doing so. My Cuban paranoid thinking feels they will now break into my email and corrupt my files!!!
I really do not like the Minute Man project and what they represent. On the surface they don’t sound that bad, they say they promote constitutional rights and the safety of America. But in reality they spew a message of hate, fear and intolerance.
Gilchrist said: "Illegal immigrants will destroy this country," Gilchrist said last May. "Every time a Mexican flag is planted on American soil, it is a declaration of war."
Some Cubans reading this will think, "why should I care??" ... Some Cubans think they came here legally and Cubans have worked hard to make a great economy in Miami. The reality is these people don't see Cubans and Mexicans differently. If you speak Spanish you are evil. If you are proud of your heritage and that is a Spanish speaking country, then your evil. But most importantly he is fostering hate in our wonderful nation of diversity. How many Cubans are proud of their Cuban flag? With him, he thinks that is a "declaration of war."
His group of vigilantes have lined themselves on the Southern border with guns and threatening to shoot anyone that crosses over. They claim that Mexicans are invading the US. They claim that we need to secure our borders because we are in the time of war, but no one is standing at the Canadian border. A border where most of the terrorist cross as it is basically NOT protected. What to learn more, read about them at :
http://www.ocorganizer.com/html/gilchrist.html
http://arizona.indymedia.org/news/2005/10/31154.php
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?pid=972
http://www.mimnotes.info/news/20050723minutemanjim/
This is the Minute Man Project, with thier horrible imagery using our historic heroes to promote their message of hate. http://www.minutemanproject.com/
oh what a day what a day!I just met Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minute Man project.
For those of you that have the pleasure of not knowing Jim Gilchrist, his organization, the Minute Man Project, basically advocates deporting anyone whose last name ends in a vowel (aka Mexicans, aka Hispanics, aka anyone who speaks Spanish!) He and his followers say that Gilchrist “believes that he may have been chosen by God to protect our boarders from the 'invasion' and the “Reconquista” of America by “illegal aliens,” primarily Mexicans, who kill our children and endanger the American way of life.”
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Gilchrist came to meet me as my organization has been fighting tooth and nail against him and his ideas. Flanked by his political director and his executive director they came over to introduce themselves.
Their Executive Director, a taller fellow, dressed in a blue suit introduced Gilchrist. I am not sure if my expression of absolute abhorrent was overly apparent but I tried to contain myself. Gilchrist was proper, introduced himself. I was polite myself and shook his hand.
What I really wanted to say was “How do you feel after you lost the race?” as he recently lost in election in California in one of the most conservative districts in the nation. I contained myself as my mother told me if I didn’t have anything nice to say not to say anything at all. After our short introduction his political director introduced herself. Her bleach blond hair was overwhelming with its very “Barbie” characteristics. With her little dog in tow she was also polite game me her card.
I had run out of my cards but gave them my contact information. Part of me was upset I was doing so. My Cuban paranoid thinking feels they will now break into my email and corrupt my files!!!
I really do not like the Minute Man project and what they represent. On the surface they don’t sound that bad, they say they promote constitutional rights and the safety of America. But in reality they spew a message of hate, fear and intolerance.
Gilchrist said: "Illegal immigrants will destroy this country," Gilchrist said last May. "Every time a Mexican flag is planted on American soil, it is a declaration of war."
Some Cubans reading this will think, "why should I care??" ... Some Cubans think they came here legally and Cubans have worked hard to make a great economy in Miami. The reality is these people don't see Cubans and Mexicans differently. If you speak Spanish you are evil. If you are proud of your heritage and that is a Spanish speaking country, then your evil. But most importantly he is fostering hate in our wonderful nation of diversity. How many Cubans are proud of their Cuban flag? With him, he thinks that is a "declaration of war."
His group of vigilantes have lined themselves on the Southern border with guns and threatening to shoot anyone that crosses over. They claim that Mexicans are invading the US. They claim that we need to secure our borders because we are in the time of war, but no one is standing at the Canadian border. A border where most of the terrorist cross as it is basically NOT protected. What to learn more, read about them at :
http://www.ocorganizer.com/html/gilchrist.html
http://arizona.indymedia.org/news/2005/10/31154.php
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?pid=972
http://www.mimnotes.info/news/20050723minutemanjim/
This is the Minute Man Project, with thier horrible imagery using our historic heroes to promote their message of hate. http://www.minutemanproject.com/
the creator of Che-Mart
During CPAC I met the founder and creator of Che-Mart. (www.che-mart.com) As he promoted his shirt with slogan's of Che followed with the words "Murdering Communist Bastard," I was taken away by his accent- his IRISH accent.Yup the guy who made bashing Che a comical art form is a tall Irish fellow who hates communist just as much as the group of Alpha 66 members hanging out on Calle 8.
We had a great chat and shared a wonderful story when he dressed up as communist during a Kerry for President Rally in New York.
He dressed as Fidel Castro and his friend dressed up like Che and carried signs something like "follow France", "bring down unemployment", "withdraw from Iraq" and many people clapped for them and many members of Kerry's team even asked to take pictures with them... it wasn't until a long while later that some people finally noticed that the dressed up communist were actually infaltrators.
And P.S. he reads Babalu all the time...
I got to meet the Che-Mart maker via another great idea, Contra Cafe (http://www.contracafe.com/). The coffe is a product of Nicaragua's former Contras - freedom fighters who fought against the Sandinistas in the 1980s. Today, these former freedom fighters struggle to get by on the profits from their coffee farms. Support them and buy their coffee today!!!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
blogging from CPAC
CPAC - the Conservative Political Action Convention is the largest meeting of conservatives in the nation. I am overwhelmed my the number of young people here at the convention. A few highlights and low lights:
- I LOVED the the many booths of anti-socialism shirts, like the Che with Micky ears. Got to love it.
- I HATED meeting Congressman Tancredo. This very narrow minded congressman is the worst thing ever to happen to the Republican party. I met him in a small group and he greated everyone else, EXCEPT ME!! He knew nothing about me, but looking at me you can tell I am Hispanic. I forced an introduction and he politely smiled. I think he wiped his hand afterwords. Once on stage he advocated stripping citizenship rights to children born in this country of illegal parents. UGGHHHH!!!!! Can someone please knock some sense into him??
Tonight is a dinner with VP Chaney... we will see how that goes
- I LOVED the the many booths of anti-socialism shirts, like the Che with Micky ears. Got to love it.
- I HATED meeting Congressman Tancredo. This very narrow minded congressman is the worst thing ever to happen to the Republican party. I met him in a small group and he greated everyone else, EXCEPT ME!! He knew nothing about me, but looking at me you can tell I am Hispanic. I forced an introduction and he politely smiled. I think he wiped his hand afterwords. Once on stage he advocated stripping citizenship rights to children born in this country of illegal parents. UGGHHHH!!!!! Can someone please knock some sense into him??
Tonight is a dinner with VP Chaney... we will see how that goes
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Fox, Castro and Bush
Compassionate Conservatism Fades South of the Border?
By Eneas Biglione
The recent decision of the public relations firm Allyn & Company to take charge of the task of improving Mexico's image in the United States and Canada has angered some conservatives. They have labeled Rob Allyn -- Allyn & Company's president and CEO -- a traitor and have threatened to boycott the firm.
In a stern response, Allyn declared: "I have gotten so tired of the way people treat Mexico. I believe in the cause, so I love the opportunity to share my views. I've held these views for a long time. I relish the opportunity to help in some small way." He added stingingly, "The conservative movement I signed up for stood for tearing walls down, not building them."
Indeed, Allyn & Company's website boasts that Allyn's public relations team worked with great success on President George W. Bush's 2000 primary campaign. The firm later aided Vicente Fox in his successful bid for the Mexican presidency, the same Vicente Fox who is the first conservative president elected in Mexico after an unbroken 72 years of socialist governments controlled by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
Mexican voters entrusted Fox with the responsibility of overseeing great change: to tackle corruption, insecurity, and poverty and to promote improved relations with Mexico's neighbors. Fox perceived the broadening of NAFTA with the United States and Canada as a way to strengthen Mexico and confront the country's weaknesses. He never plundered or begged, but saw in the exportation of Mexican products and workers a possible solution to Mexico's woes. Fox's government stimulated the production and exportation of high-technology manufactured goods and used diplomacy to try to negotiate a temporary visa program that is more generous to low-skilled Mexican workers. Of course, the chronic corruption, wild public spending, and poverty that Fox's government inherited from the PRI are not easy conditions to reverse after only five years in office.
Fox has been at the United States' side during several international scandals: the first occurred when the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro revealed statements made during a private telephone conversation he had with Fox in March of 2002. During the call, the Mexican president requested discretion from Castro during the UN Summit in Monterrey and, more specifically, asked that he not insult President Bush or the United States during his stay in Mexico.
The second scandal is more recent. At the Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Fox proudly declared that Castro and the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez had not succeeded in their attempts to dissuade a majority of Latin American countries from signing bilateral free trade agreements with the United States. After hearing this remark, Chavez repeatedly insulted the Mexican president and even branded him a "puppet of the [American] empire". In both cases Fox risked much for the United States and paid dearly for it in his credibility in certain Latin American countries.
It is worrisome, then, that the United States -- the most powerful country in the world and an excellent example of the institutions that a country must adopt to achieve prosperity -- is devoting so much time and so many resources to the construction of a wall on its border with Mexico. The anti-Mexican hysteria does nothing more than add to the arguments of enemies of the United States and discourage the world's conservatives from working side-by-side with the United States on the true fronts of the fight against the Axis of Evil.
The contract between Allyn & Company and the Mexican government is far from treason. It exemplifies, instead, a search for better communication between countries whose conservatives ought to be natural allies in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as on many other battlefronts as well.
Eneas Biglione is a Senior Fellow at the Hispanic American Center for Economic Research (HACER).
By Eneas Biglione
The recent decision of the public relations firm Allyn & Company to take charge of the task of improving Mexico's image in the United States and Canada has angered some conservatives. They have labeled Rob Allyn -- Allyn & Company's president and CEO -- a traitor and have threatened to boycott the firm.
In a stern response, Allyn declared: "I have gotten so tired of the way people treat Mexico. I believe in the cause, so I love the opportunity to share my views. I've held these views for a long time. I relish the opportunity to help in some small way." He added stingingly, "The conservative movement I signed up for stood for tearing walls down, not building them."
Indeed, Allyn & Company's website boasts that Allyn's public relations team worked with great success on President George W. Bush's 2000 primary campaign. The firm later aided Vicente Fox in his successful bid for the Mexican presidency, the same Vicente Fox who is the first conservative president elected in Mexico after an unbroken 72 years of socialist governments controlled by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
Mexican voters entrusted Fox with the responsibility of overseeing great change: to tackle corruption, insecurity, and poverty and to promote improved relations with Mexico's neighbors. Fox perceived the broadening of NAFTA with the United States and Canada as a way to strengthen Mexico and confront the country's weaknesses. He never plundered or begged, but saw in the exportation of Mexican products and workers a possible solution to Mexico's woes. Fox's government stimulated the production and exportation of high-technology manufactured goods and used diplomacy to try to negotiate a temporary visa program that is more generous to low-skilled Mexican workers. Of course, the chronic corruption, wild public spending, and poverty that Fox's government inherited from the PRI are not easy conditions to reverse after only five years in office.
Fox has been at the United States' side during several international scandals: the first occurred when the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro revealed statements made during a private telephone conversation he had with Fox in March of 2002. During the call, the Mexican president requested discretion from Castro during the UN Summit in Monterrey and, more specifically, asked that he not insult President Bush or the United States during his stay in Mexico.
The second scandal is more recent. At the Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Fox proudly declared that Castro and the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez had not succeeded in their attempts to dissuade a majority of Latin American countries from signing bilateral free trade agreements with the United States. After hearing this remark, Chavez repeatedly insulted the Mexican president and even branded him a "puppet of the [American] empire". In both cases Fox risked much for the United States and paid dearly for it in his credibility in certain Latin American countries.
It is worrisome, then, that the United States -- the most powerful country in the world and an excellent example of the institutions that a country must adopt to achieve prosperity -- is devoting so much time and so many resources to the construction of a wall on its border with Mexico. The anti-Mexican hysteria does nothing more than add to the arguments of enemies of the United States and discourage the world's conservatives from working side-by-side with the United States on the true fronts of the fight against the Axis of Evil.
The contract between Allyn & Company and the Mexican government is far from treason. It exemplifies, instead, a search for better communication between countries whose conservatives ought to be natural allies in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as on many other battlefronts as well.
Eneas Biglione is a Senior Fellow at the Hispanic American Center for Economic Research (HACER).
Friday, February 03, 2006
Looking for Hispanic Conservative Bloggers!!
The Republican National Hispanic Assembly is looking for conservative Hispanic bloggers that believe in the principles of the Republican party. If you or anyone you know may be interested email them at info@rnha.org....
The issues can vary but the message has to be the same - conservatism and/ or republican party issues....
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Cuba and State of the Union
I have been reading many of the blogs and seen the reaction of the Cuban-American community to the Bush speech. In fact I work with lots of Hispanic Republicans and the outcry has been a little overwhelming.
As a Cuban American I was praying that President Bush would say Cuba when listing the tyrannies of the world. But he didn't. Yet I am not upset because I know he hasn't totally forgotten about us.... While some are about to club me with a big stick let me remind you that allt he rage on all these blogs is the Cuba News Ticker... we constantly talk about its message of freedom... so where did the money to build it come from? .... The Administration and this President...... The government is spending millions of dollars on TV and Radio Marti... where does that money come from? ... the administration..... The government is providing money to help the dissents in Cuba, the government is taking a hard stand against Fidel Castro... Mind you my friends it is not an easy task THE MAJORITY OF THIS WORLD is against the embargo and the president continues it because he believes in our cause.
As an ex-member of capitol hill staff I can tell you what an uphill battle is sometimes is to convince people to stand on the right side of Cuba. We have that leverage only cuz THE PRESIDENT STANDS WITH US..... so instead of the stupid messages I get from Cubans saying they are leaving the Republican party because Bush did not spend 1.2 seconds and say Cuba (Believe me I wish he would have!) Lets instead follow Babalu's advice. Educate more people around the world about Cuba. Make it a priority to them. Tell them it is not this lovely island paradise.
I know I will get some reaction about the wet-foot dry foot policy but that is a very special topic I will talk about another day. But I do have one advice for the Cuban people. Instead of screaming only at Bush why didn't the entire community ask for the resignation of the Coast Guard Chief of something to that affect... Other communities would have done that. Still scream and Bush but call for action that he can actually do quickly.... Again I will talk about wet-foot dry foot another day.
Many Cubans wish that many years ago we could have kicked Fidel's butt but yet this has not happened. We have to work with what we got if not we are never going to get any where just keep on preaching to the choir.
As a Cuban American I was praying that President Bush would say Cuba when listing the tyrannies of the world. But he didn't. Yet I am not upset because I know he hasn't totally forgotten about us.... While some are about to club me with a big stick let me remind you that allt he rage on all these blogs is the Cuba News Ticker... we constantly talk about its message of freedom... so where did the money to build it come from? .... The Administration and this President...... The government is spending millions of dollars on TV and Radio Marti... where does that money come from? ... the administration..... The government is providing money to help the dissents in Cuba, the government is taking a hard stand against Fidel Castro... Mind you my friends it is not an easy task THE MAJORITY OF THIS WORLD is against the embargo and the president continues it because he believes in our cause.
As an ex-member of capitol hill staff I can tell you what an uphill battle is sometimes is to convince people to stand on the right side of Cuba. We have that leverage only cuz THE PRESIDENT STANDS WITH US..... so instead of the stupid messages I get from Cubans saying they are leaving the Republican party because Bush did not spend 1.2 seconds and say Cuba (Believe me I wish he would have!) Lets instead follow Babalu's advice. Educate more people around the world about Cuba. Make it a priority to them. Tell them it is not this lovely island paradise.
I know I will get some reaction about the wet-foot dry foot policy but that is a very special topic I will talk about another day. But I do have one advice for the Cuban people. Instead of screaming only at Bush why didn't the entire community ask for the resignation of the Coast Guard Chief of something to that affect... Other communities would have done that. Still scream and Bush but call for action that he can actually do quickly.... Again I will talk about wet-foot dry foot another day.
Many Cubans wish that many years ago we could have kicked Fidel's butt but yet this has not happened. We have to work with what we got if not we are never going to get any where just keep on preaching to the choir.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Why you wont hear "ethics" reform from the Dems...
While the dems are scramabling to figure out how to attack the President one attack you won't find to often is "ethics reform." Democrats will breeze over the issue and you will hear buzz words like "culture of curruption" but don't let them fool you! Many House and Senate Donkey lovers have ties to high power lobbiest, like Jack Abramoff and many more- see http://www.noagenda.org/
So while Dems will be quick to point the finger now, they will do it quickly becuase they are to blame just as much as thier "friends" on the other side of the aile.
And while we are on the subject on lobbyist and things of the such, I think this issue has been blown up ALOT. While I understand and believe their are those who abuse the system and they have to be punished - this is not the majority of Members of Congress and staffers. I believe this is one of those issues the powers-that-be have used to devide poltiicians from thier constituents the "inside the beltway" people versus the rest of humanity. It really isn't that bad people are making it a big deal becuase of politics!
It's an election year, every and i mean EVERY issue, is going to be exaggerated for political reasons, so Americans be careful and read between the lines.
So while Dems will be quick to point the finger now, they will do it quickly becuase they are to blame just as much as thier "friends" on the other side of the aile.
And while we are on the subject on lobbyist and things of the such, I think this issue has been blown up ALOT. While I understand and believe their are those who abuse the system and they have to be punished - this is not the majority of Members of Congress and staffers. I believe this is one of those issues the powers-that-be have used to devide poltiicians from thier constituents the "inside the beltway" people versus the rest of humanity. It really isn't that bad people are making it a big deal becuase of politics!
It's an election year, every and i mean EVERY issue, is going to be exaggerated for political reasons, so Americans be careful and read between the lines.
Before I analyze...
Before I analyze the President's State of the Union speech, a few observations...
1 - Why was Senator Clinton chewing gum????
1 - Why was Senator Clinton chewing gum????
- Luce como una vaca!! Didn't her mother teach her anything?
- She also gave a stupid smirk when President Bush made a comment that two of Pres. Bush (41) were hitting medicare age - Clinton and himself
- As long as I am talking about Medicare, what was up with the crazy reaction from the Dems when W said "congress did not act on fixing social security." What are the Dems proud they are letting the government go ot the gutter becuase of partisan politics?
2 - Did Representative Corrine Brown (D-FL) steal Bjork's swan dress?? I think she killed a bird and placed it around her neck?
- Rep. Brown is a representative for the Jacksonville area - yes I am embarrassed she is from my state - she is probably the stupidest member of Congress I have ever met and the tackiest.
- Too bad Celia Crus isn't around to teach a thing or two about how to whear crazy wigs. Rep. Brown's wigs are always about to fall off her head.
- In the past Rep. Brownhas accused Hispanics as "looking all the same." During her rampage on then Secretary Noriega she was swaying her head so fast, her bad wig almost fell off her head.
3 - Was Maxine Waters' butt super glued to her chair? Because the liberal California practically communist Representative never stood up. I think I saw her staring at her nails?
- I really do think Rep. Waters may be a card carrying member of the socialist party - if not a full on communist sympathizer. In my old jobs I use to get calls from people that lived in her area all the time saying to help them, that she was a crazy commuinist... if only I could do something I would... where is McCarthy when you need him?
- She supports Castro and is one of the dilusional people who think he is great! BLAH!!)
4 - A bigger question - Why are the same member of Congress who talk smack about President Bush on "the floor of Congress" push through their colleagues to get a picture with the President and to hob-nob with him in private??
- All I have to say is - Hypocrites!!
5 - Did you hear that Cindy Sheehan was arrested right before the State of the Union speech for protesting inside the House Gallery?
- Sheehan had a poster and was planning on disrupting the speech - Which is against the rules of the House of Representatives.
- Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) gave Sheehan a ticket to the speech, seated in Gallery 5, seat 7, row A. Sheehan was offered the ticket at an "alternative state of the union" press conference by CODEPINK, a group pushing for an end to the Iraq war. CODEPINK organizes trips to Cuba to defy US policy and as they say to "party in Cuba" -- see my old post "Stupid Pinkos")
- Rep Woosley supports Fidel Castro and ALWAYS supports legislation to end the embargo!
6 - I think Judge Samuel Alito has the "best first day on the job" story ever!!!
Preview of State of the Union
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2006
STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
As Prepared for Delivery
America is always at its best when we are shaping events, instead of being shaped by events. Tonight, the President will chart a clear path forward for our Nation:
“In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom – or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy – or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting – yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people … the only way to secure the peace … the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership – so the United States of America will continue to lead.”
The President will talk about America’s leadership role in the world, and the importance of working together to better protect our country, support our troops, and advance freedom:
“Abroad, our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal – we seek the end of tyranny in our world… the future security of America depends on it.”
“In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores.”
“…Ultimately, the only way to defeat the terrorists is to defeat their dark vision of hatred and fear by offering the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change.”
“To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands.”
To keep America competitive in a dynamic economy, the President will set out an agenda focused on the priorities that families are most concerned about. He will talk about the importance of having an educated, skilled workforce, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and making health care more affordable, accessible, and portable:
“Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world.”
On Competitiveness:
“The American economy is pre-eminent – but we cannot afford to be complacent. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors like China and India.”
“We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard-working, ambitious people – and we are going to keep that edge.”
On Energy:
“America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world… The best way to break this addiction is through technology.”
On Health Care:
“Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility. For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care … strengthen the doctor-patient relationship … and help people afford the insurance coverage they need.”
Finally, the President will speak to the character and compassion of America:
“…our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.”
# # #
STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS
As Prepared for Delivery
America is always at its best when we are shaping events, instead of being shaped by events. Tonight, the President will chart a clear path forward for our Nation:
“In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom – or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy – or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting – yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people … the only way to secure the peace … the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership – so the United States of America will continue to lead.”
The President will talk about America’s leadership role in the world, and the importance of working together to better protect our country, support our troops, and advance freedom:
“Abroad, our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal – we seek the end of tyranny in our world… the future security of America depends on it.”
“In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores.”
“…Ultimately, the only way to defeat the terrorists is to defeat their dark vision of hatred and fear by offering the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change.”
“To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands.”
To keep America competitive in a dynamic economy, the President will set out an agenda focused on the priorities that families are most concerned about. He will talk about the importance of having an educated, skilled workforce, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and making health care more affordable, accessible, and portable:
“Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world.”
On Competitiveness:
“The American economy is pre-eminent – but we cannot afford to be complacent. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors like China and India.”
“We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard-working, ambitious people – and we are going to keep that edge.”
On Energy:
“America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world… The best way to break this addiction is through technology.”
On Health Care:
“Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility. For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care … strengthen the doctor-patient relationship … and help people afford the insurance coverage they need.”
Finally, the President will speak to the character and compassion of America:
“…our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.”
# # #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
