And people thought I was the “silly” one for leaving the GOP.  I wonder how many Republicans in Florida will call Pablo a “RINO” for leaving the GOP?  Here’s the difference between Pablo and I — he’s now a registered Democrat … I am an independent registered voter who has decided to vote on the issues — not toeing a Party line.

Watch out, Pablo, they will say you were never a Republican and you were always a Democrat even though you may have voted contrary.

I’m glad to see Pablo leave the Republican Party — the GOP has yet to change their immigration platform since their Florida convention of 2012.

From Florida Nation:

Note from Editor Kevin Cate:
From: Pablo Pantoja

Subject: From Republican to Democrat

Date: May 13, 2013 5:57:11 PM EDT

Friend,

Yes, I have changed my political affiliation to the Democratic Party.

It doesn’t take much to see the culture of intolerance surrounding the Republican Party today. I have wondered before about the seemingly harsh undertones about immigrants and others. Look no further; a well-known organization recently confirms the intolerance of that which seems different or strange to them.

Studies geared towards making – human beings – viewed as less because of their immigrant status to outright unacceptable claims, are at the center of the immigration debate. Without going too deep on everything surrounding immigration today, the more resounding example this past week was reported by several media outlets.

A researcher included as part of a past dissertation his theory that “the totality of the evidence suggests a genetic component to group differences in IQ.” The researcher reinforces these views by saying “No one knows whether Hispanics will ever reach IQ parity with whites, but the prediction that new Hispanic immigrants will have low-IQ children and grandchildren is difficult to argue against.”

Although the organization distanced themselves from those assertions, other immigration-related research is still padded with the same racist and eugenics-based innuendo. Some Republican leaders have blandly (if at all) denied and distanced themselves from this but it doesn’t take away from the culture within the ranks of intolerance. The pseudo-apologies appear to be a quick fix to deep-rooted issues in the Republican Party in hopes that it will soon pass and be forgotten.

The complete disregard of those who are in disadvantage is also palpable. We are not looking at an isolated incident of rhetoric or research. Others subscribe to motivating people to action by stating, “In California, a majority of all Hispanic births are illegitimate. That’s a lot of Democratic voters coming.” The discourse that moves the Republican Party is filled with this anti-immigrant movement and overall radicalization that is far removed from reality.  Another quick example beyond the immigration debate happened during CPAC this year when a supporter shouted ““For giving him shelter and food for all those years?” while a moderator explained how Frederick Douglass had written a letter to his slave master saying that he forgave him for “all the things you did to me.” I think you get the idea.

When the political discourse resorts to intolerance and hate, we all lose in what makes America great and the progress made in society.

Although I was born an American citizen, I feel that my experience, and that of many from Puerto Rico, is intertwined with those who are referred to as illegal. My grandfather served in an all-Puerto Rican segregated Army unit, the 65^th Infantry Regiment. He then helped, along my grandmother, shatter glass ceilings for Puerto Rican women raising my aunt to become the first Puerto Rican woman astronomer with a PhD in astrophysics (an IQ of a genius as far as I’m concerned). Puerto Ricans, as many other Americans still today have to face issues of discrimination in voting and civil rights.

Regardless of what political affiliation people choose, my respect for some remains. I don’t expect all Hispanics to do the same (although I would hope so) but I’m taking a stand against this culture of intolerance.

I am also making a modest contribution (here: http://bit.ly/12uF3g8) to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for the efforts in helping protect the rights of immigrants and civil liberties in general.

With warm regards,

-pablo

For Immediate Release– May 3, 2013
Cinco de Mayo Weekend Celebration
info@nationaltequilapartymovement.com
Shirl Mora James, President and Civil Rights and Immigration Lawyer –
DeeDee Garcia Blase, Communications –

Mexican-American Women-led Political National Organization Slams Tennessee County Commissioner Barry West for his anti-Mexican remark

Lincoln, NE / Phoenix, AZ — Somos Independents (a national Latina-led political movement) believe the Tennessee County Commissioner Barry West ought to apologize for his anti-Mexican remarks. We believe xenophobia is on the rise in light of Mexican-Americans accounting for almost 70% of the Latin population pie. Xenophobes are afraid the fabric of our great Nation is at risk even though Mexican-Americans continue to spill our blood defending Her.

American GI Forum Dr. Hector Garcia was a Patriot who defended Mexican-Americans who served our great Nation.

Mexican-Americans contribute to patriotism in our Country. In addition to this — we believe in taking care of our elderly. There is no need for the likes of Barry West to be afraid of our ethnic group since many of us know we are going to be the ones who will ensure social security benefits will continue despite the aging white baby boom population. Mexican-Americans contribute billions and billions of tax dollars and we will not allow Barry West to minimize our efforts and contributions any longer.

Mexican-American Patriots continue to enlist and serve our military today. We volunteer because we have patriotic hearts and we love the United States of America. Several of us remember our grandfathers, uncles and/or ancestors who were drafted, and a great number of them spilled their blood to defend our country in a time of war. We honor them for that.

Americans of Mexican descent have been fighting for the United States since the American Revolution. In fact, Latinos served as “rough riders” with Teddy Roosevelt and were recognized for that patriotism under the former President.

During World War I, approximately one third of the U.S. population was recent immigrants; the United States implemented a draft for the war effort (drafting many of Mexican descent). Ten years after the war, the economy slowed down and the U.S. adopted a repressive anti-immigration policy against “Mexicans,” using mass deportation roundups and repatriation that forced many established Latinos out of their homes and forced the separation of families. These events occurred during the economic depression of 1929-1939 in a backlash to create jobs for European Americans. Thus, they deprived Mexican-Americans of their public- and private-sector jobs and ignored many past contributions to the military and our nation.

We will no longer allow the likes of Barry West to forget the contributions of Mexican-Americans who spilled our blood and unafraid to go to the frontlines during war drafts — in an effort to protect this great Nation blessed by our Creator.

###

SOMOS INDEPENDENTS (formerly known as the National Tequila Party Movement) is a woman-led political movement. It is our goal to communicatto women and Latina matriarchs across the nation with regard to the need in fixing the broken immigration system. We organize events, and college rallies that encourages a massive Latino Get Out The Vote and political participation. This movement is a non-partisan movement. We don’t care how people vote, we just want them to get on the early ballot system, become consistent primary and general election voters.

Marc Victor — high profile Arizona attorney who has been commenting on the Jodi Arias case via Arizona media outlets

I was invited to discuss the legal immigration plan supported by the Gang of 8 on the Attorney For Freedom Show a couple of days ago, and you can listen to the recording here.

Marc Victor is a high profile attorney in Arizona who realizes immigration ought to be fixed, and while I don’t agree with all of his ideas — I felt it was important to address what I do and do not support with regard to immigration reform since Victor has several Libertarian and Republican listeners.

I did take the opportunity to nail the Texas U.S. Senators who are missing in action — from the state that shares 64% of the entire southern border length with Mexico.  Where are they?  Texas John Cornyn is on the Finance committee that oversees ports of entry, trade and tariffs — yet he is nowhere to be found on the push for legal immigration.

We also spoke about Cuban immigrants receive government benefits once their wet foot touches dry land because Libertarians do not like any hints of welfare programs/government benefits.  I reminded Victor that most immigrants do not receive the government benefits that are afforded to Cuban immigrants.  Indeed Texas U.S. Senator and Cuban-American Ted Cruz has had family that benefited from Cuban privileged amnesty via the Cuban Adjustment Act, and it is unfortunate that the freshman will not follow the steps of Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.  At least Rubio is working towards legal immigration — and Ted Cruz is not.

Tune into the May 1st, 2013 recorded show with regard to immigration here.

“We took an oath not to do any wrong to each other or to scheme against each other.” – Geronimo

In my view, Geronimo was not the last Apache Native to surrender. He had compassion for the last remaining Apache family before Manifest Destiny; and he merely wanted the Apache Native American seed to carry on when he admitted himself as a sacrifice in order for the Apache blood to continue.

The absolute dignity of the Apache Native American continues…

San Carlos, Arizona, is a place where the U.S. Government rounded up many Apache’s to keep away from scaring white settlers, and as we move forward into the new millennium — it is my goal to do what I can (with my limited talents afforded to me) in order to help make the world better as we work to supporting our Native friends in Arizona.

I have a deep appreciation for Douglas Miles of the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona because the Great Spirit that lives within him is the same One that makes something from nothing. It is my wish into the universe that the Mexican-Americans and Apache’s will create an alliance from love that is more powerful than an atomic bomb. My hope is to take care of the land that was created for us by our Creator.

Together.

The video below is extremely soulful and I am grateful Douglas Miles shared it with me this morning …. setting the tone of future things to come. In other words, this Mexican-American (me) seeks an alliance with the Apache Natives for the sake of caring for our lands and our environment. Allowing love to break through the darkness that sometimes blinds us. It’s good to smoke a little tobacco from mother earth that comes in a gifted sacred cloth … exchanging peace between neighboring communities to undo past evils. I am saddened to hear the Apache Tribe of San Carlos does not have an art museum commemorating the talent I see coming from there. I am asking the Great Spirit — our Creator … to help me work towards ensuring the light shines from San Carlos.

Will our Creator hear our prayers?

PURE

By DeeDee Garcia Blase

I offer my love to my Creator — Raw and Contrite
Nothing else greater can manifest in my power and might
You help me overcome obstacles nobody else can bring
Power and Love that manifests will never be replaced by a mere mortal soul
The Love You give me is enough to sustain me
Words can never express the debt I owe to you
Will you take my broken heart so humble but free?
Riches will never replace what is everlasting — may my soul you created lives eternally?

The appreciation you’ve placed in my heart embraces culture and diversity
And I’ll never understand the complexity
You’re the Lord of my soul
I offer my tender brokenness thru Rock n Roll 
I hope you’ll remember when He said they not know what they do
The hate and the harm, is there something else that will suffice in lieu?
Is it too late to reverse humanity?
For then we wouldn’t have to see war, death and the ugly darkness brings?

I know there are no wishes for you to see riches
Because you own and Create all at the whisper and tips of your fingers
But please know O’Lord — that I offer my broken soul
I know you want me to submit –
So this moment I offer a simple contrite heart … nobody else can omit

This Declaration explains no happiness that will ever come to me
Without first the blessings You grant to me
I’m forever grateful to my Creator– no mortal man will ever bring me
My love I surrender — Nobody but Thee

The happiness you bring me
Will never be matched thru eternity
My heart how it hurts because it’s all that I have
Even though Hendrix gave his heart to music; I know deep down you gave him lyrics to ever last
I summon the great Love that can only come from You
I’m doing all that I can despite the transgressions I’ve done
But no matter the sin
I love you despite what’s pinning me in

Golden Love

By DeeDee Garcia Blase

God I’m admitting I’m drunk with your love…
No mortal man can give me your hug
This golden fountain you give me
Will never climb the love mountain
The love you bring me is an everlasting fountain
Its spiritual and I finally see
Nobody will ever replace you
No matter the degree

Know that your love is everlasting no matter the broken promises given to me
Despite what I couldn’t foresee
Your love sustains me in every way with the help of Jimi and Beam
Take me to Kentucky — suspended in this Spiritual in-between

My God, How I Love thee
I’m sorry for past sins that I bring
I’ll forever submit this brokenness that I give
I’m really happy — not blue
And what I lay at your feet
Will be set in concrete
The doves that you send me
Mends what many say can never sing

I don’t have a care in this world
The love I live for because it’s something I’ll swim towards
His memory is long and in the past
This golden love you’ve given to me will never surpass and wait the ultimate class act

I’m a gypsy traveling from the north to the east
I’m comforted the friends you’ve entrusted me
Set my paths straight in this long lonely walk
May my prayers be incense every Cigar under the stars
Know I’m forever grateful
The Love and Mercy you constantly bring me will make me accessible

Image by Washington Post

Anyone notice how Congress waited until after Tax Day to release the comprehensive immigration plan? April 15th is “D-Day” — or the deadline to submit your tax paperwork and have it in the mail to the IRS.

Taxes help pay for our roads, wars, and etc., but they also sustains government benefits for the government programs that are out there — especially for our elderly. I believe in taking care of our elderly, but at some point we must address the approximate 85 million aging Americans. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will soon exhaust all federal tax revenues and we are heading towards a retirement crisis if Congress will not take proactive steps to secure it.

The government needs the additional tax revenues that new tax payers via the immigrants will generate in order to sustain the burgeoning entitlement programs baby boomers require as they continue to retire. By developing a reasonable legal immigration plan, we create a system where immigrants share American tax burdens as they continue to contribute millions of dollars into our tax coffers. New immigrants sharing our tax burdens will help discourage our government from increasing taxes, because under the current system these entitlement programs will drain all federal revenues within 15 years.

Taking Apart the Federal Budget

I do not believe in taxation without representation. Recall to memory the Boston Tea Party and the purpose of it.

According to Jacob Silverman:

At its core, the Boston Tea Party was a conflict over taxation. You may have heard the phrase “taxation without representation,” which developed in this era. Unlike their British brethren, the people living in the 13 colonies did not have direct representatives in the British parliament. Because of that, the colonists had no way to vote for how they would be taxed or who would represent them. And because of this lack of representation, the British government was free to tax the colonists in any way — and for any amount — that it saw fit. With no way to fight taxation and no way to claim their rights, many colonists feared that their property could be taken away through debilitating taxes.

Yet according to the Associated Press:

“Bipartisan immigration legislation emerging in the Senate could prevent hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the U.S. illegally from ever becoming citizens..” and in essence preventing them from voting.

It appears politicians are fine with taking tax revenues from immigrants without giving them the ability to vote — especially from those who are from the Republican Party. Essentially they fear President Obama signing and supporting a comprehensive immigration reform bill that might create generational Latin Democrats.

One politician who stands out to me is Senator Marco Rubio who is of Cuban descent helping decide the fate of those who are of Mexican descent. Keep in mind that the Tea Party darling Rubio has family members that benefited from the Cuban privileged amnesty under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Cuban immigrants receive government benefits without those immigrants first contributing to the tax payer system because once their wet-foot touches our dry-land, Cubans are able to receive government benefits and it is the American tax payers like ourselves who have been paying for those benefits. Mexican immigrants do not get those Cuban immigrant government benefits once their dry foot reaches dry land, and this is precisely why it appears Cuban-American Rubio does not want those of Mexican descent to advance. He more than likely knows that Mexicans account for almost 70% of the entire Latin population pie. The time will come when we see a Mexican-American United States Senator rise to the political occasion helping to keep things fair and balanced.

Rubio states:

“…it will allow them to stay in the US, work, travel and pay taxes. They will not qualify for any federal benefits of any kind, including Obamacare and they will have to be in that system for over ten years before they can apply to the existing legal immigration system for a green card…”

Meanwhile, Cuban-American Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is MIA (missing in action) even though Texas is the only state in the Union that shares the longest border length that includes over 20 ports of entry. Texas shares a whopping 64% of the border with Mexico. It is a no-brainer that a Texas official would know more with regard to the economic impact of immigrants than an official from a non-border state like Florida, and this is precisely why you will see the Mexican-Americans trust Mexican-American Texas officials like Congressman Joaquin Castro.

100 days deep: Rep. Joaquin Castro leading charge for immigration reform

It is no secret the Mexican-American community has been hurt the most in light of the record deportations that involves those of Mexican descent — so naturally we are going to gravitate to Mexican-American leadership. Rep. Castro understands our pain. I believe Cuban Senators Rubio and Cruz do not — and this is evident when they are MIA or support ideas that virtually embraces a Mexican underclass. It appears these 2 Cuban-American Senators pull their Latin card when it is convenient for them and when they want the Hispanic lime light benefits. Cubans only account for 3% of the Latin population pie, and it is only a matter of time before the tail stops wagging the dog as we get the dog to eventually wag the tail.

Nevertheless, we are keeping score.

We are documenting Rubio’s every move because we know that once that door is cracked open — we will kick and knock over those unfair obstacles within the next decade. Numbers are on the side of the Mexican-American Community, and as those numbers catch up, you will find that we are going to be the ones who ultimately take care of our American elderly. After all, those of Mexican descent are indigenous and native to our Nation, and we believe in taking care of Her and the people who dwell in it. We have proved our Patriotic Hearts with the blood we have shed to keep our Nation safe.

From the PEJ:

By Emily Guskin and Amy Mitchell of the Project for Excellence in Journalism.

The ethnic media play an important role by providing news in both foreign languages and in English about places and issues that are often absent from the mainstream media.  To provide greater depth, this year’s Annual Report on the State of the News Media offers reports on different groups at different times.  To read our earlier report on African American media, click here.

Spanish-language media remain important to a changing, more acculturated, and more U.S.-born Hispanic population in the United States. And in the last year, Spanish-language media tended to fare better overall than their mainstream English-language counterparts.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the nation’s Latino population grew to more than 50 million, more than double its size in 1990, and up 46.3% since 2000.¹  It is also the nation’s youngest ethnic group. The median age of Latinos is 27, while for non-Hispanic whites it is 42 and for non-Hispanic blacks it is 32. Among Latinos, a majority are bilingual. However, as births have become more important for Hispanic population growth than the arrival of new immigrants, the nation’s Latino population is also becoming more U.S.-born. All of these factors could pose a threat to Spanish-language media operations. So far though, the contrary has occurred.²

Hispanic newspapers overall lost circulation in 2010, but not nearly to the extent of the English-language press. The total number of Spanish-language newspapers remained stable.

The story in television was even more positive. Univision, the largest Spanish-language network by far, continued to grow, reaching audience sizes that compete with the three major English-language broadcast networks (ABC, CBS and NBC). In 2011, it also announced the launch of a 24-hour Spanish-language news station.

Radio is growing as well. The number of Spanish-language radio stations increased in 2010, and more Spanish-language radio companies began measuring for Arbitron, the standard method of rating radio stations.

Magazines showed improvement too, with year-over-year growth in ad spending.

On the digital front, while Hispanic Americans do not access the internet at the same rates as other Americans, there is growth, and bilingual Latinos are already heavily online.  FULL STORY>>>

Stevie Ray Vaughan Icon and Legend

In the spirit of the 30^thAnniversary with regard to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double

30th anniversary

Trouble – Texas Flood
(2-CD 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition) …. Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, recently announced the release of an expanded two-disc 30th anniversary edition of Texas Flood, the electrifying debut album by the American blues rock trio Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, now available everywhere. 

I have been having fun with a creative series named: “If Guitars Could Talk.”  It’s extremely rewarding to me to pull words from guitar riffs — from a creative standpoint.  It’s a huge outlet.

This Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) guitar instrumental is a one of my favorites when doing cardio on a treadmill. He’s an absolute legend from Texas, and of course someone as great as SRV had to be made in Texas, right?

Today I asked what SRV’s guitar was saying to me if it could talk, and here is what it said to me:

[If my lyrical words needed a title below, it would be Joy Ride]

:00 Minute mark of this music video

It’s a bright and shiny da-a-a-ay – let’s go out for a little drive (leave your jacket home)
It’s a bright and shiny da-a-a-ay – let’s go out for a little drive (put the music on)

:16 Minute Mark
Let’s explore these winding curves together, like a roller coaster
These hills will take us to the top

:23 Minute Mark
It’s a bright and shiny da-a-a-ay – let’s go out for a little drive (forget all your troubles, not going to be singing the blues today)
Bright and shiny da-a-a-ay —  C’mon get it on
Let’s bring it on

:38 Minute Mark
Let’s take a trip, baby, come with me …  we’re not gonna waste anymore time to get to that mountain top
Because I’m the one who’s gonna take us there

:45 Minute Mark
Now come on and get in
Leave your jacket at home
Turn the music on
Roll the windows down
So I can see it baby
Put the stick in drive
For a wild ride
Curves are calling for it
I’m driving faster baby
We’ll find the peaks my darling
Together climbing to the top
I ain’t stopping til we drop
(uh)

1:10 Minute Mark
Leave your jacket at home
Turn the music on
Roll the windows down
So I can see it baby
Put the stick in drive
For a wild ride
Curves are calling for it
I’m driving faster baby
We’ll find the peaks my darling
Together climbing to the top
I ain’t stopping til we drop

1:31 -  1:55 Minute Mark [kick ass guitar part]

1:55 Minute Mark
Honey, all I wanna see  (whoa) from below
All I ever wanna see on this long and windi-i-ing road
Nature’s beauty calling out to me, Nothing but  sight and see
It’s calling out to me, yes it’s calling out to me

2:10 Minute Mark
Winding roads
Peaks and Valleys
This road is gonna take us all the way to the top
You’re gonna see , just you wait and see

2:18 Minute Mark
Get in the car darling
On a joy  ride
Chasing that sunset
Let’s…time…it…right…this…time – finding rhythm, you and me
Oh what the hell let’s just go with the flow
Melt away all the pressures
That’s what this little joy ride’s gonna bring to you
Oh yeah…that’s what we’re gonna do

2:40 Minute Mark
Leave your jacket at home (come on)
Turn the music on (come on)
Roll the windows down (come on)
So I can see it baby
Put the stick in drive
For a wild ride
Curves are calling for it
I’m driving faster baby
We’ll find the peaks my darling
Together climbing to the top
I ain’t stopping til we drop

3:01 Minute Mark
It’s a bright and shiny da-a-a-ay – let’s go out for a little drive (leave your jacket home)
It’s a bright and shiny da-a-a-ay – let’s go out for a little drive (put the music on)
Explore the winding curves together, like a roller coaster
These hills will take us to the top

I stumbled into the Songbird coffee shop recently and met the owners of a wonderful coffee shop located in downtown Phoenix.  The art culture in downtown Phoenix is amazing and this particular shop displays very large pieces, too, within it’s shared space.  I was fortunate enough to meet both owners and had a nice chat with Jonathan Carroll where we exchanged building coffee shop stories. It is so neat to see this couple live out their business dreams.  I am so happy to see this little business flourish.  I am having to locate a new favorite coffee shop since I sold mine several years ago, and since my favorite coffee C4 Coffee shop of Cave Creek, Arizona,  closed their doors, too.  Perhaps I will find a new favorite home within the Songbird Coffee Shop — particularly since they are introducing a free concert series this month!  Indeed, Music Lives!  I’m told Steff Koeppen & The Articles will be traveling from Tucson to play at the very first concert of the concert series.   Right on!

Songbird Coffee Shop is introducing the Songbird Saturday Concert Series coming to The Lot located at 1005 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.

It will begin Saturday, February 23rd from 6-10pm with local bands Russian Arms & Optics, Bear State, Steff Koeppen & The Articles (Tucson), & Good Friends Great Enemies. Luncha Libre will be in attendance and we’re partnering up with Angel’s Trumpet Ale House & Carly’s Bistro (who will give those who attend the event special deals for the night — after 10pm).

Songbird will give those attending stamps so the businesses will know to give you the deal. Bring a blanket, cuddle up in the lawn, grab some Luncha Libre, watch and listen to some great local bands. FREE. Angel’s Trumpet Ale House is offering $1 off ALL BEERS — just show them your stamped hand with the Songbird logo on it to get the dealio. Carly’s Bistro will be offering these specials after 10pm: $4 glasses of house wine, $3 drafts and 1/2 off select appetizers.

Here are the details:

Songbird Saturday Concert Series
By Songbird Coffee & Tea House