Sunday, August 02, 2009
Bronx News Network: Protest Over Controversial Art Piece Fizzles
Friday, July 31, 2009
Broken Promises
During this period, the Navy tested nearly every kind of munitions employed by the military, dropping over 80 million pounds of ordnance on Vieques from 1984-1998 alone. The Navy has refused to disclose the complete list and amounts of all materials sprayed, dropped, tested, or disposed of on the island and surrounding ocean during the 62-years of weapons testing.
The people of Vieques have a 25% higher infant mortality rate, 30% higher rate of cancer, a 381% higher rate of hypertension, a 95% higher rate of cirrhosis of the liver, and a 41% higher rate of diabetes than those on the main island of Puerto Rico a mere 8 miles away. Despite these facts, the Navy denies any culpability and refuses to help alleviate the suffering it has caused.
The health claims of the American citizens in Vieques have been supported by a multitude of groups and faith-based organizations, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and the American Values Network, among others.
The full white paper is at http://americanvaluesnetwork.org/vieques/white-paper/
'The War Boys' premieres tonight at the NYILFF
The War Boys Trailer from Brandon Roots on Vimeo.
Revisiting "Down These Mean Streets'
Reading "Down These Mean Streets" after twenty years, when i was young i was not prepared to read "Down These Mean Streets," now I respect Piri. -- Coconut Brujita |
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Director Victor Cruz speaks on his short film 'La Operacion'
Examiner speaks to Victor Cruz on his "La Operacion (The Operation)," a short 15 minute film he directed on the sterilization of Puerto Rican women during the 1940s.
The synopsis of Victor's film is based on a bill passed in 1937, which allowed the sterilization of women on the island and the decision one woman makes on whether to go ahead with the procedure.
"La Operacion" is now part of the lineup of short program playing at the New York International Latino Film Festival in Manhattan.
For more, go to my Examiner site at http://www.examiner.com/x-11970-NY-Latino-Community-Examiner~y2009m7d30-Director-Victor-Cruz-speaks-on-his-short-film-La-Operacion
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Re: The Death of former NY State Senator Olga Mendez
“Olga Mendez was a great role model not only for the residents of her Bronx and Manhattan district, but across the United States. As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the New York State legislature, she opened doors for all who came after her, myself included. She was a tireless advocate for the concerns of her constituents, and she will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of all Bronxites, are with her family as they mourn her loss.” -- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The NY International Latino Film Festival celebrates anniversary with movies
For more, go to
http://www.examiner.com/x-11970-NY-Latino-Community-Examiner~y2009m7d28-The-NY-International-Latino-Film-Festival-celebrates-anniversary-with-movies
I'm the NY Latino Community Examiner. Have story ideas for my Examiner column, feel free to e-mail me at clariselgonzalez (at) yahoo.com.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Artist restores Spirit of East Harlem
Artist Manny Vega began restoration on July 17th of Hope Community's defaced Spirit of East Harlem mural. The artist will complete the work by the end of July. Vega, along with community artists from different genres, will participate in an educational forum on the history and cultural significance of community (outdoor) artwork that Hope Community will host on August 13th. (photo and text courtesy of Marina Ortiz) To view more photos, go to http://www.hopeci.org/Spirit_Vega071709/index.htm |
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
To Be or Not To Be Supreme Court Judge: Sonia Sotomayor
There has been a lot of debate over the qualifications and character of the nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor. To be or not to be Supreme Court judge that is the national question. The up and coming confirmation of the Puerto Rican judge from the Bronx has refueled the issue of who is and who is not qualified to be United States Supreme Court Judge. Her critics have questioned her integrity and vision, yet they admire her tenacity at the Senate Hearings.
Although in terms of curriculum vitae, she is overqualified---her critics continue to question decisions she made as Federal District judge and as judge at the US Circuit Court of Appeals. Many have questioned the influence that her ethnicity and humble backgrounds may have in future judicial decisions. The United States has made its forefathers proud with the election of President Barack Obama, but his choice for Supreme Court Judge really has taken liberty and justice for all to the next level of American understanding. No doubt, she is a woman and a Latina.
To top all that, her parents were part of one of the most massive immigration movements in American history, precisely fostered by the Puerto Rican government’s ties to the American government in the early 1900’s which granted them U.S. citizenship and the right to enter the U.S. without having a passport. Sotomayor’s parents made the journey inspired by the so-called American dream, and the opportunities their children would have in New York City.
More than just a story, Sotomayor’s appointment brings down stereotypes that were ingrained in the minds of the American public with West Side Story’s (1957 Broadway play) prejudiced portrayal of the Latina woman. Hollywood has made a living off the bias depiction of the easy-slut and close-minded Latina woman. The Senate Hearings are underway, and some will use a magnifying glass to look closely at any little detail that will make Sotomayor unworthy of the highest appointment bestowed upon any attorney in the United States. The truth is that she is worthy beyond any reasonable doubt. Even Shakespeare would rethink his famous “to be or not to be” quote in light of what will come down in American history as one of the most “justified” nominations to the Supreme Court of all time.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Silent history
story teller
though silent
i should not
feel ashame
i have no
photo history -- Coconut Brujita