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August 12, 2009

Glenn Beck's Hate Speech, Brought To You By...

Shame on these sponsors for helping feed lies to the American public.

Obama Introduces Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Courtesy of MSNBC

A very proud day for All Americans.

August 11, 2009

Concert-For-Peace in Cuba: What's The Big Deal?

Pic from the Miami Herald

I read in the Miami Herald this weekend that the American government is OK (Not officially endorsing) Juanes throwing a Concert-For-Peace in Cuba. It seems Juanes’ goal is to gather enough support from other Latin artists to play in La Habana at the Plaza de la Revolución come September. The same thing was done last year in the first concert which took place in the border of Venezuela and Colombia amid diplomatic turbulence between the two countries. Although that concert was a huge success despite the political turbulence, this Habana concert is drawing a lot of criticism; particularly from the Cuban American exiled community in Miami, where many view it as a theatrical political stage which may favor the regimen Castrista.



As you may well know from watching or reading history, La Plaza de la Revolución is served as the scenario for many famous Castro’s anti-American speeches, and where the immense image of Ernesto “Che” Guevara stands tall. “Aquí no hay manipulación, aquí se trata de abrir puertas, de crear puentes a traves de la música. Juanes defended the idea on his Twitter account against critics.



So far Juanes has announced that Olga Tañon y Miguel Bose have confirmed to play in la Habana, and he hopes there will be many more to follow. In my opinion, I would imagine many in the U.S. Latino community would support Juanes’ effort to bring peace to the world through music, especially in Latin America. Do you think singing Odio por Amor in La Plaza de la Revolución is politics? We believe: Sí se Puede!


The Face of of Foreclosure in America


Pic from DSNews.com

We all know that this country is in the gutter, and the worst raw deal is endured by minorities in America(highest level of unemployment, highest foreclosure rate, and the list goes on...). For many of us it feels more like depression! But who gives a damn? Still, I feel we must share the following site created by the Florida Association of Realtors— they hope to put a face on the foreclosure crisis in America so at least the history books get it right! It is so frustrating when no one else in America is been able to fix this mess! Let people lose their homes; that’s been the answer! This is another reason why many are bailing out of town(Even the Paisanos) 'cause this is slowly but surely rotting! It makes one wonder whether good times would ever come back to America?? It’s an enigma we have yet to discover… I hope they do come back.

Healthcare Reform and Coverage

From Kaiser Health Newsletter via FB Latinos for Healthcare Reform


Aug 11, 2009

The health care needs of an estimated 6.8 million undocumented and uninsured immigrants "has become the third rail in the debate over health-care reform," The Chicago Tribune reports. Some health care advocates have proposed broadening the proposals before Congress to include this population, but "fierce opposition has kept the idea off the table."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has "emphasized that illegal immigrants would not be covered under the current proposals." And the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has called for coverage "only for 'legal, law-abiding' immigrants who pay their 'fair share' for health care."

But "immigration activists say it is 'immoral' for hospitals and doctors, as well as a nation, to deny health care to the seriously ill, no matter their legal status. But proponents of tougher Immigration enforcement -- and others fighting to contain runaway health-care costs -- fear that providing such services would only encourage more undocumented immigrants to cross the border" (Olivo, 8/11).

The Associated Press reports Latinos are the least likely among the major ethnic groups to have health insurance through work and are watching closely the reform legislation in Congress. "Experts say health disparities among ethnic groups are great, with one in three Hispanics and one in five African-Americans not having health insurance, compared with one in eight whites. And as the recession deepens, the gap is growing along with rising unemployment and cuts to work-sponsored insurance."

Meanwhile, the AP also notes that although the House bill "represents the most comprehensive effort to date to extend health care to all Americans," illegal immigrants would be excluded. And "absent immigration reform and a path to citizenship, that would mean millions could be left out of the system. About 59 percent of the 11.9 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States have no health insurance, according to the Pew Hispanic Center" (Barbassa, 8/10).

August 10, 2009

PolitiFact.com


Here's a non-partisan nonprofit that checks all the statements made by politicians on both sides of the aisle on the Health care issue:

Fear Mongering Myths About Health Reform

There is so much bizarre misinformation spread out there by the powerful lobbyists on behalf of the Insurance companies, it is simply unbelievable! Plus, critics seem to ignore the fact that Medicaid and Medicare are government-run programs. Although is not perfect, see what happens if these programs weren't around... You gotta give it to these fear mongers (Insurance industry and pharmaceutical companies). Check out the facts of the health reform bill for yourself:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/21





This Week's Top 10 Billboard Latin Songs in the U.S.


Pic From Espinoza Paz.com

1) Lo Intentamos by Espinoza Paz

2) Loba by Shakira

3) Ya es Muy Tarde by La Arrolladora Banda El Limon

4) Causa y Efecto by Paulina Rubio

5) El Amor by Tito el Bambino

6) Yo no se Mañana by Luis Enrique

7) Comprendeme by German Montero

8) Abusadora by Wisin y Yandel

9) Quien es Usted by Sergio Vega

10) I know You Want Me by Pittbul


Wisin y Yandel lost their first place to Lo Intentamos by Espinoza Paz; they are now sitting in eighth place. Two spots behind La Loba’s last week’s sixth place. Shakira climbed four spots to second place this week. I wouldn’t be surprised if she conquers the number one spot next week. Falling out of the top 10 list was Luis Fonsi with Aqui estoy Yo, and entering this week’s Top 10 list is Pitbull with I know you want me.


Here's the list: http://www.billboard.com/charts/latin-songs#/charts/latin-songs

Student Debt Breathing Down My Neck!

I’m not sure about you, but I got student loan debt breathing down my neck- ugh! To the point, I’m going to have to sell my underwear(I know no one wants it) to be able to pay back. Anyway, here’s a call to action from the FB Project on Student Debt sent by Shannon Gallegos:

Take Action Now for Real Loan Forgiveness

In addition to lowering monthly student loan payments, IBR forgives any remaining debt -- including interest -- after 25 years of payments. Most borrowers will pay off their debt before then, but under current law, if there's anything left after 25 years, the amount forgiven would be taxed as income to the borrower.

A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R.2492, would prevent debt forgiven through IBR from being taxed as income. Loan forgiveness is supposed to wipe the slate clean for responsible borrowers, not create a new financial obligation.

Many of you have already taken action, helping to persuade over 20 Members of Congress to sign on in support of the bill. We need your help to bring more on board! If you haven't already, please take a moment to urge your representative to support H.R. 2492.

Take action! [http://ibrinfo.org/action.vp.html]

Got Private Loans? Share Your Story.

Private student loans are risky and expensive, and they aren't eligible for IBR, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or other important consumer protections that come with federal student loans. Policymakers and the press are starting to pay attention to the plight of private-loan borrowers, so now is the time to make your voice heard! If you're interested in sharing your experience with private student loans, please fill out our Borrower Spokesperson form. Reporters and legislative staff frequently ask us about specific types of borrowers, and we'll connect you when there's a fit.

Sign up to become a spokesperson

[http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cDcxTVJIRS1TdHBiQkRYZHRzamtSQ2c6MA..]

New August Webinars

Equal Justice Works, an IBRinfo partner, has added new webinars to their "Student Debt Relief" series. Topics include "Getting Your Student Loans Forgiven: How Government and Nonprofit Employees Can Earn Public Service Loan Forgiveness," a must for anyone with high student debt working for the government or a nonprofit, and "Counseling Students and Graduates about Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness," designed specially for school professionals including financial aid officers, student advisors, and career counselors.

To sign up, use the links at the bottom of http://ibrinfo.org

This group has almost 5,000 members. And once that happens, we won't be able to email everyone at once. But if you sign up for the email list at http://IBRinfo.org, we can keep you up to date on important policy changes (e.g. when the Public Service Loan Forgiveness application becomes available). We promise we won't spam you or share your email address with anyone!

August 08, 2009

Do You Twitter?

We twitter! Follow us on Twitter at LLOnlineBlogera

Weekly Address: Necessary Reform, Absurd Attacks

August 07, 2009

Twitter Revolution - Iran

Check out how social networking sites like twitter are remaking the dissemination of information in Iran. Typical example was the Iranian civil society's discontent with the outcome of the last presidential election. You can follow me @ LLOnline Blogera on Twitter. Viewer discretion is advised to watch this video. Video by Journey Man Pictures. Copyrights belong to them.

Commentary: Proud to be a 'wise Latina' by A Wise Latina

Pic from CNN.com
As you well know, before and during Sotomayor’s hearings, the “wise Latina” remark left a lot to talk about in the halls of congress, in the water coolers at the work place, and in the usual chitchats in mainstream society (Specially among Latinas) —I found this great commentary posted yesterday by none other than a Great and beautiful “Wise” Latina, Maria Hinojosa from CNN. Check out her view on the Wise Latina comment,

I love “Wise” Latinas all over the country—Holler if you are a Wise Latina!

August 06, 2009

Senate Confirmation Vote on Judge Sotomayor

Historic day for America!

Jay-Z for Barack: "Obama's Running So We All Can Fly"

Change is HERE!

The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony - (Instrumental/Karaoke)

Go Sotomayor!

Senator Menendez advocates the confirmation of Judge Sotomayor

Sotomayor's Confirmation Fiesta!

Today is the big day! The U.S. Senate is projected to take up the full vote on Sotomayor's Nomination around 3 p.m. There are plenty of Latino and non-Latinos gatherings throughout the country celebrating this historical event; in Chicago, NYC, LA, San Francisco, Houston, Miami, Washington, DC., and more. It’s time to CELEBRATE the Bronx, our community, and America!


So far, support is been divided among partisan lines (As expected, those GOP no nos quieren...). Except 8 GOP Senators have come out publicly to show support for her nomination (You should remember them next time you go to the Polls). Here’s how the Washington post reports the break down among Senators:


TOTALS

GOP: 40
Out For: 8
Out Against: 31

Republicans Supporting Sotomayor
• Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)*
• Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.)
• Sen. Christopher Bond (Mo.)
• Sen. Susan Collins (Maine)
• Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine)
• Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.)
• Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
• Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.)

Republicans Opposing Sotomayor
• Sen. Jeff Sessions (Ala.)*
• Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah)*
• Sen. Charles Grassley (Iowa)*
• Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.)*
• Sen. John Cornyn (Texas)*
• Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.)*
• Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.)
• Sen. Robert Bennett (Utah)
• Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.)
• Sen. Jim Bunning (Ky.)
• Sen. Saxby Chambliss (Ga.)
• Sen. Thad Cochran (Miss.)
• Sen. Bob Corker (Tenn.)
• Sen. Mike Crapo (Idaho)
• Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.)
• Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
• Sen. Mike Enzi (Wyo.)
• Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Tex.)
• Sen. James Inhofe (Okla.)
• Sen. Johnny Isakson (Ga.)
• Sen. Mike Johanns (Neb.)
• Sen. John McCain (Ariz.)
• Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
• Sen. James Risch (Idaho)
• Sen. Pat Roberts (Kan.)
• Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.)
• Sen. John Thune (S.D.)
• Sen. David Vitter (La.)
• Sen. Roger Wicker (Miss.)
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)

* Member of Judiciary Committee


Well, hope you are aware of the amazing historical event happening today; wherever you are, you should be proud for our community and America overall. History is being made TODAY! Go find a place to celebrate, if you don’t know one, e-mail me (Latinosylatinasonlineblogera@gmail.com) and I’ll try to find one for you.


Celebrate!

August 05, 2009

Free Hugs / Abrazos Gratis Mexico City

Abrazos Gratis en argentina

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