I actually recorded my vote on my BlackBerry. No, I wasn't being paranoid, LOL, just capturing the moment.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bolivia on the brink of Civil War, partially blames Bush administration
Bolivia is on the brink of civil war, a nation divided by race and wealth. In the past three months hundreds have been murdered, and hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in protest.
President Evo Morales elected in 2006 claims to be the first full blooded Amerindian to hold such a position since Spanish Conquest 470 years ago. Although some praise the ever increasing mestizo culture of Bolivia there remains great divides in wealth, education, and entitlement across racial divides.
President Morales is considered a Socialist doe to his redistribution of the wealth generated by Bolivia’s natural resources such as natural gas and his commitment to land reform. Morlaes is also titular President of cocalero, a federation of coca growers' unions who are resisting the efforts of the United States government to eradicate cocoa in Bolivia.
Although over 80% of the population supports President Morales he does have his opposition. They are demanding greater control over policies ranging from land reform to the allocation of the earnings of Bolivia's natural gas exports, which originate in their regions. Earlier this year, the departments of Tarija, Santa Cruz, Pando and Beni voted in favor of opposition-drafted autonomy statutes, but since those referenda were not sanctioned by the national electoral court, the central government refuses to recognize the results.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bush administration have been accused of supporting the opposition and inciting violence. As a result he kicked out U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg this past September, accusing him of inciting conflict. The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) has rallied to his support. At an emergency meeting the presidents of nine Latin American countries gave Morales their full support, and offered to send a team to mediate.
President Evo Morales, cast his decision on Saturday to suspend the activities of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in his country as a matter of national security. "We have the obligation to defend the dignity and the sovereignty of the Bolivian people," said Morales. "There have been DEA agents who, carrying out espionage, financed rogue groups with the intention of taking the lives of [Bolivian government] officials." The Bolivian President made clear he envisages repairing the relationship with the U.S. as soon as President Bush has gone. More than once, he referred to his own victory in Bolivia as having brought "the change we need."
President Evo Morales elected in 2006 claims to be the first full blooded Amerindian to hold such a position since Spanish Conquest 470 years ago. Although some praise the ever increasing mestizo culture of Bolivia there remains great divides in wealth, education, and entitlement across racial divides.
President Morales is considered a Socialist doe to his redistribution of the wealth generated by Bolivia’s natural resources such as natural gas and his commitment to land reform. Morlaes is also titular President of cocalero, a federation of coca growers' unions who are resisting the efforts of the United States government to eradicate cocoa in Bolivia.
Although over 80% of the population supports President Morales he does have his opposition. They are demanding greater control over policies ranging from land reform to the allocation of the earnings of Bolivia's natural gas exports, which originate in their regions. Earlier this year, the departments of Tarija, Santa Cruz, Pando and Beni voted in favor of opposition-drafted autonomy statutes, but since those referenda were not sanctioned by the national electoral court, the central government refuses to recognize the results.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bush administration have been accused of supporting the opposition and inciting violence. As a result he kicked out U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg this past September, accusing him of inciting conflict. The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) has rallied to his support. At an emergency meeting the presidents of nine Latin American countries gave Morales their full support, and offered to send a team to mediate.
President Evo Morales, cast his decision on Saturday to suspend the activities of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in his country as a matter of national security. "We have the obligation to defend the dignity and the sovereignty of the Bolivian people," said Morales. "There have been DEA agents who, carrying out espionage, financed rogue groups with the intention of taking the lives of [Bolivian government] officials." The Bolivian President made clear he envisages repairing the relationship with the U.S. as soon as President Bush has gone. More than once, he referred to his own victory in Bolivia as having brought "the change we need."
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Model - Davier
25 year old Davier is a native of Houston, where he models and keeps busy with his own Entertainment company.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Please VOTE before November 13th - Mr Gay Competition
Vote NOW for the United States Finalist - Cast your vote for Mr Philadelphia
Vote NOW for the United States Finalist - Cast your vote for Mr Philadelphia
Rarely do you meet someone with a kind disposition, great personality, charisma, and is drop dead handsome. I had the good fortune to meet John, what a nice guy. He needs your votes to become the finalist in the Mr. GAY Competition. Voting ends on November 13th, so please vote now for Mr. Gay Philadelphia to represent the U.S. in Mr. Gay International.
R.I.P. Miriam Makeba
Grammy Award-winning Miriam Makeba has been called "Mama Africa" and the "Empress of African Song." She sang for President John F. Kennedy's birthday, testified before the United Nations about apartheid, married Black Panther Stokely Carmichael and spent decades in exile from her South African homeland. South Africa's First Lady of song has died at the age of 76 after collapsing at a concert in Italy.Friday, November 7, 2008
Fareed Zakaria on Obama's win
The brilliant Fareed Zakaria hosts GPS, Global Public Square, on CNN Sundays at 1:00 PM.
The Sin of Religion in American Politics
In the wake of this historic election that has filled me with immense joy I am troubled by the ugly side of religion in politics. During the campaign referring to President Elect Obama as a Muslim or an Arab was seen as disparaging and considered a slur.
There is nothing wrong with being either Muslim or an Arab. "So what" is the response that echoed in my own head. Why is such ignorance tolerated? What if Obama were a Muslim or an Arab "So the fuck what". Why did he have to be defended against such allegations as religion or ethnicity. I agree it was misinformation and should be corrected but the greater question needed to be asked, "so what". Hopefully we have learned that being Muslim is not synonymous with being an Arab, and neither characteristic should lead to an assumption of terrorism.
In three states the constituents voted to ban gay marriage. Isn't it a fundamental premise by "separation of Church and state" that we shall not legislate religious hatred and bigotry in our country. Each religious group has every right to not recognize, sanctify, or bless a same sex union. Feel free to condemn them to hell if you like, but no one should have the right to legislate them out of existence.
There is nothing sacred about legislating hatred and prejudice.
There is nothing wrong with being either Muslim or an Arab. "So what" is the response that echoed in my own head. Why is such ignorance tolerated? What if Obama were a Muslim or an Arab "So the fuck what". Why did he have to be defended against such allegations as religion or ethnicity. I agree it was misinformation and should be corrected but the greater question needed to be asked, "so what". Hopefully we have learned that being Muslim is not synonymous with being an Arab, and neither characteristic should lead to an assumption of terrorism.
In three states the constituents voted to ban gay marriage. Isn't it a fundamental premise by "separation of Church and state" that we shall not legislate religious hatred and bigotry in our country. Each religious group has every right to not recognize, sanctify, or bless a same sex union. Feel free to condemn them to hell if you like, but no one should have the right to legislate them out of existence.
There is nothing sacred about legislating hatred and prejudice.
www.change.gov - Office of President Elect Barack Obama
President Elect Obama has launched his official transitional website. You can register your email in order to remain up to date on transition activities and appointments. Our President Elect continues to remain cutting edge on the communication front to keep us informed.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Material Culture presents All Of India
One of my favorite stores to explore Material Culture is hosting a special event on November 15. Their is a lecture by Pravina Shukla followed by party and exhibitions. I highly recommend that you stop by anytime the store is amazing. Hoping to see you there!
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