Democracy for New Mexico

(Corrected) June 26: Anti-Torture Vigil & Street Drama at ABQ Federal Building

6.27.07 CORRECTION: Please note that according to an email I received today from Robert Stoppel, a member of the Board of Directors for a Guerilla Street Theatre collaborative called, La Cucaracha Stew Co. in Albuquerque, the "STREET DRAMA" portion of this demonstration was planned, constructed, and performed by La Cucaracha Stew Co. La Cucaracha is the only politically active street theatre company in Albuquerque. Robert Stoppel can be reached at lacucarachastewco@gmail.com.
***********

From Amnesty International Albuquerque Chapter 101:
A street theater enactment of “Guantanamo: A Life Sentence With No Trial” will be held at the Federal Building, 333 Lomas Blvd. NW in Albuquerque, from Noon to 1 PM on June 26th. Organized by Amnesty International Albuquerque Chapter 101, and cosponsored by the and the ACLU of New Mexico, the event commemorates the UN's International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors.

Vigils and congressional visits across the nation will be held during the week of June 26th calling for a stop to torture in U.S. operated detention facilities. Also being demanded is the repeal of the Military Commissions Act, which authorizes the suspension of habeas corpus for those accused of being enemy combatants. (This means that the accused may be held indefinitely and their right to know what they are being charged with and their right to a trial that meets international fair trial standards have been suspended.)

In addition, please write Senator Domenici and Representative Wilson and ask them to withdraw their support for the Military Commissions Act.

For further information about the vigil, please contact Ann Peterpaul at 453-2465. For more information about Albuquerque Amnesty International, and other actions in the planning stages, please contact Nell Burrus, Chapter101 coordinator, at 833-3140.

Must See TV Tonight: Endgame (in Iraq)

PBS FRONTLINE's Endgame will be aired on Albuquerque's KNME tonight at 9:00 PM (and rebroadcast on June 20 at 3 AM, June 22 at 10 PM and June 24 at 8 AM). According to the FRONTLINE website:

The show examines the reasons for the current situation in Iraq, including failure to plan for an insurgency; the “light footprint” strategy pushed by then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld; and the 2005 Iraqi election, which the Sunnis boycotted.

...  As the United States begins one final effort to secure victory through a "surge" of troops, FRONTLINE investigates how strategic and tactical mistakes brought Iraq to civil war. The film recounts how the early mandate to create the conditions for a quick exit of the American military led to chaos, failure, and sectarian strife. In Endgame, producer Michael Kirk (Rumsfeld's War, The Torture Question, The Dark Side, and The Lost Year in Iraq) traces why the president decided to risk what military planners once warned could be the worst way to fight in Iraq -- door-to-door -- and assesses the likelihood of its success. Top administration figures, military commanders, and journalists offer inside details about the new strategy.

Following the broadcast, Endgame will be available to view on FRONTLINE's website.

Participate in Take Back America and AFSCME Events Via Web

Two big political events are taking place in DC over the next few days. The Take Back America conference put on by the Campaign for America's Future is providing a lot of interactive web features that involve Dem prez candidates, bloggers and more. Meanwhile, the AFSCME Leadership Forum includes a presidential candidate forum and more. MyDD, among others, is blogging both conferences.

Rant of the Day: Privatize This

Henry Rollins Tees Off. To augment that, read this IndyMedia report on Iraqi unionists speaking out during a U.S. tour against the American occupation and privatization schemes. This kind of corporatist money and power grab is at the very core of many of the festering problems our elected officials refuse to address effectively, whether they're related to health care, energy, education, natural resources like water, voting machines, trade, jobs, media, the prison industrial complex, our highway system or other areas where "privatization" to fill corporate coffers is being pushed to the detriment of the common good and common sense.

Is it any wonder? The powerful lobbying arms of these profit-at-any-cost outfits siphon tons of cash into the "campaign funds" of politicians on both sides of the aisle. They don't do that without getting what they want in return. They aren't donating large sums of money to be nice. Bottom line -- the "contributions" are nothing more than bribes masquerading as "free speech." Isn't it time we strengthen the challenges against politicos in both political parties on this score?

Secrecy Continues on Earmarks
I happened to turn on the TV this morning and caught a story on CNN about a project they're conducting to gather information on the specific "earmarks" being stuck into bills by members of Congress. Remember how one of the promises made by Dems in the 2006 election was that they'd reduce the rapid proliferation of these hidden subsidies to cronies and make the process transparent? Don't hold your breath. Of the 435 House members contacted by CNN interns, only 31 provided data on the specific earmarks they're pursuing. I guess they don't believe we have a right to know what projects are being supported with our tax dollars. Remember, we're just here to vote, pay our taxes and do the grunt work door to door while the "important people" who "contribute" generously to their campaigns get to call the shots.

NM House Members: Show Us the Money
According to the compiled by CNN, New Mexico Reps. Heather Wilson (NM-01), Steve Pearce (NM-02) and Tom Udall (NM-03) all failed to provide the requested information on earmarks. What are they hiding? If you'd like to contact them to ask, click here. You know they always like to hear from contituents, as their websites and emails always state.

Private Equity and Hedge Fund Scams
In a related vein, don't even get me started on the "private equity funds" that are buying up public American companies, taking them private, dumping employees and benefits and essentially stealing their pension funds and other capital assets for distribution to their secret members. Have you heard ANY politician in the national spotlight criticize the full extent of this robbery? Even John Edwards, our token "populist" candidate, hems and haws when asked about private equity or hedge funds. After all, he recently worked for Fortress, a private equity firm that was taken public and produced large gains for its officers. And as this article reports, the majority of hedge fund "donations" are going to Dem candidates.

Again, don't hold your breath for any meaningful action by politicos anytime soon. They wouldn't want to subject members of such filthy outfits as the Carlisle Group to public scrutiny or fair taxation. It would cut down on the level of today's record-breaking campaign contributions!

Oh, there's a small dent in the dam as Congress has been so shamed by the revealed shenanigans of the Blackstone Fund that a bill has been introduced to address a narrow instance of the widespread problems with the equity funds. As this article in The Nation explains, Blackstone's greed and opportunism represents only the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, the Dem presidential candidates remain silent. Their owners don't like to be outed.

Tonight on Espejos, KUNM 89.9 at 8 PM: Human Rights Vigil & the NHCC Foundation

Check out KUNM 89.9FM tonight, Monday, June 19th, at 8:00 PM for a two-part live interview on "Espejos de Aztlan," a weekly radio show dedicated to highlighting community affairs in New Mexico since 1979.

Part One (8:00 PM) of tonight's show will focus on the work of local civil rights attorneys fighting to bring fair representation to the hundreds of immigrants being detained in Albuquerque's downtown regional detention center (4th and Roma), separated from family and living under inhumane conditions. Tomorrow night, Tuesday, June 19th at 7 PM, a peaceful vigil will be held in front of the Downtown ABQ detention center, in support of human rights, family unity, and against the mass detention of immigrants. For more information, please call 246-1627.

Part Two (8:15 PM) of tonight's Espejos show will feature the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the funds necessary to help support the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Recently, the Foundation has launched Club Social, a new outreach program aimed at engaging the community's young professionals in the Center's dual worlds of Hispanic arts and culture and philanthropy, while also providing unique opportunities for networking surrounding the Center’s world-class programming. For more information, please call 766-9858.

Espejos is part of the Raices Colectiva which conducts programming on news, culture and music from a Latino perspective on KUNM 89.9FM.

Tuesday: Join the Call to Free NM Government from Corporate Grip

From Ben Luce, Break the Grip!:
Tired of the domination of New Mexico by big corporations like PNM, Qwest, Oil & Gas, Media monopolies, and others, but feeling helpless to do anything about it?

Break the Grip! is initiating a campaign to end the pervasive grip of corporations on New Mexico State Government. For more information on the origins of this campaign, see the Open Letter to Governor Bill Richardson. More information will be given at BTG!'s Campaign Initiation Gathering (supporters are encouraged to attend) and press conference:

• When: Tuesday, June 19th, High Noon
• Where: East Entrance of the Santa Fe Roundhouse
• Directions: Northwest corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail. Come early - parking close by can be hard to find. Parking may be available in the parking lots off the northeast corner of this intersection. There is paid parking near the St. Francis Cathedral downtown, about a 10 minute walk from the Roundhouse.

Supporters are encouraged to attend. (Detractors are encouraged to enjoy lunch instead at the Mission Cafe, located on East DeVargas Street near the Roundhouse.) Come prepared to sing! See the Lyrics to our theme song, "Let's Break Their Grip!"

An expanded version of the Break the Grip! website will be uploaded on June 19th and will contain history, calls for reform, calls to action, and more. Break the Grip! is a citizen's campaign that is not affiliated with any political party, election drive, nonprofit or for-profit corporation or other interest.

Editor's Note: Ben Luce is the former Chair and Policy Director of the New Mexico Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE). Mother Media has more on Luce's decision to leave that post and start Break the Grip!.

Health Security Act ACTION

From Terry Riley:
Health Security Local Organizing Committee: There is a meeting of the Health Security Local Organizing Committee on Tuesday, June 19, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church on the corner of Carlisle and Silver Streets. That is just behind the Nob Hill Shopping Center.

Legislative Interim Committee on Health and Human Services: The next important state meeting is in Santa Fe in room 322 of the Roundhouse on Monday, June 25th.  The meeting starts at 9 AM and will last almost all day.  Dr. Debora Challet will presenting a summary of the Mathematica report to the Legislative Interim Committee on Health and Human Services.  We need a large turnout to show the support for the Health Security Act.  (The Mathematica study shows the HSNM plan saving New Mexico almost $200 Million. The other plans will cost more, the worst being an additional $570 Million.)  Speak up now or pay through the nose! You have a choice!

Please read this letter (doc) and please become involved. I have created a web site with a lot of information on what is going on regarding the proposed health care changes in the state -- visit www.whatifyouknew-nm.com.

Editor's Note: For more info on this issue, see our previous post.

Upcoming Defenders of Wildlife Events in ABQ, Santa Fe, Taos

From Lisa Hummon, New Mexico Outreach Representative, Defenders of Wildlife: Below you'll find a list of upcoming events and meetings in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. I've noted RSVP deadlines for meetings and projects. There is a lot going on right now both in Congress and locally regarding climate change, agricultural policy, and the Mexican wolf, so now is a critical time for us to come together to discuss these issues and spread the word in our communities.

Defenders Meet-Up, ABQ
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 6:15 PM
Location: Flying Star Downtown, on Silver between 7th and 8th, Albuquerque
About: We will be discussing the Live Earth Concerts, Mexican wolf reintroduction, and climate change legislation. ** Please RSVP to me by noon on Tuesday if you would like to attend.

Defenders Meet-Up, Santa Fe
Date: Thursday, June 21, 6:15 PM
Location: Santa Fe Baking Co, 504 W Cordova Rd., Santa Fe
About: We will be discussing the Live Earth Concerts, Mexican wolf reintroduction, and climate change legislation. ** Please RSVP to me by noon on Wednesday if you would like to attend.

Cedro Creek Restoration Work Project
Date: Saturday, June 23, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Tijeras Canyon, near Albuquerque
About: We will be working to restore the Sandia Prep stretch of Cedro Creek in order to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and improve habitat and forage for wildlife.  Sponsored by the Quivira Coalition.
View the project flyer (pdf). ** Please RSVP to me by Thurs, June 21

Taos Solar Music Festival
Date: Friday, June 29 -- Sunday, July 1, times vary
Location: Kit Carson Park, downtown Taos
About: Defenders will have a table in the "Solar Village" just outside of the concert venue.  We will have information about climate change, the Farm Bill, the Mexican wolf, and more.  Visit www.solarmusicfest.com to see this year's line up and other info. 
** Volunteers Needed

Live Earth Concert Viewings
Date: Saturday, July 7, times TBA
Locations: TBA in Abq, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces
About: These concerts are being organized by Al Gore and others to inspire individuals, businesses, and political leaders to stop the climate crisis. There will be 7 concerts, on 7 continents, on 7/7/07.  Although there is no concert in NM, we can watch the concerts on tv and inspire action in our city, state, and region. Visit www.LiveEarth.org to learn more about the concerts. ** Contact me if you are interested in attending or volunteering

Defenders is also looking for volunteers to table at the Albuquerque Growers Market on Saturday mornings. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks for all you do!

Lisa Hummon
New Mexico Outreach Representative
Defenders of Wildlife
824 Gold SW
Albuquerque, NM  87108
(505) 248-0118 x5
(505) 248-0187 (fax)
www.defenders.org

Free Screening of 'War Made Easy' Set for July at CNM

Stop the War Machine will hold a premier showing of Norman Solomon's new film WAR MADE EASY: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death, narrated by Sean Penn and based on Solomon's best selling book by the same name. The new film was featured on Democracy Now (read or stream the DN interview on May 29, 2007).

The film will be shown Monday, July 9, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Smith-Brasher Hall on the campus of Central New Mexico Community College. Parking is in the  large lot to the southwest of the intersection of University and Coal SE in Albuquerque. Admission is free.

Organizations wishing to put up information tables should contact stopthewarmachine@comcast.net.

According to the film's website:

War Made Easy brings to the screen Norman Solomon's insightful analysis of the strategies used by administrations, both Democratic and Republican, to promote their agendas for war from Vietnam to Iraq. By familiarizing viewers with the techniques of war propaganda, War Made Easy encourages us to think critically about the messages put out by today's spin doctors - messages which are designed to promote and prolong a policy of militarism under the guise of the "war on terror."

Congress and the Bush Administration are currently debating the next steps in the war in Iraq, and the country is poised for a war with Iran. Now is the time for citizens to engage with one another around issues of military spending, U.S. occupation of foreign countries, war propaganda, and more. The documentary film War Made Easy educates viewers about how administrations lead us into war and inspires necessary debate and discussion about the role that citizens can play in preventing the next war.

Saturday Music Hall: Hillary Song

I was wandering the web this morning and came upon this ancient clip. I can't entirely explain it but, for some reason, all I could think of when listening to it (besides how young the lads were back then) was how descriptive it is in some way of the corporatist, "free" trade black hole that lies inside the faux-Democratic facade that is Hillary. She can't really be our nominee, can she? Let's hope Democrats "find out" before it's too late....