Happy New Year From LatinaTNT!

"It is time to speak your Truth. Create your community, be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader. This could be a good time! ~ "There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold onto the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its own destination. ~ The Elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and our heads above water. And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate."

— Hopi Elder Prayer

DREAM Act: So You Thought It Was Over...Think Again.

Let’s get this straight. Every Republican in the Senate who voted against the bill, saying “wait till next year”, should really just tell America the truth which is that the Republican House leadership will never allow the DREAM Act or any other reform legislation to even be considered.

So let there be no mistake when I say, DREAM Act supporter’s have no intentions of backing down, even if it takes the next two years to campaign against and vote out all those on both sides of the isle (and yes, they know who you are) who voted against this bill.

So while those against the DREAM Act were breathing a sigh of relief after the vote and are now enjoying the holidays, supporters have been diligently working at making this dream come true. I wrote in a previous post, “We aren’t going away.” The Senate dashed the hopes of these students and potential military personnel, well political careers can also be dashed. So let Phase 2 begin!

DREAM Act supporters have organized a page on FACEBOOK where supporters can get updates and network with other supporters throughout the nation. Join Here!

The Epitome Of Who We Are

January 16th, 2003

What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now for ever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind...

-William Wordsworth

DREAM Act: Down, But Not Out

I think those who voted this bill down did the math and big money was there for those who voted no.  There's absolutely no moral defense for voting the way they did. I'm disgusted, but not a quitter.  We'll be back and the process started immediately after the vote.



Dreamers' Fire Ignited by Failed DREAM Act Vote

From ABC News’ Arlette Saenz:

In a press conference following the failed procedural vote on the DREAM Act, more than 60 DREAM activists, often called “Dreamers,” voiced their determination to fight on despite today’s setback.

“Today, we did not lose. You just ignited our fire to keep on fighting because it is not fair,” Julieta Garibay, one of the original Dreamers said. “We’re tired. We’re fired up, and we will not take it anymore.” (Full Article)

I Hate To See You Cry As I Say Goodbye - Leona Marie

Remembering reading over the many tributes to the late journalist Carlos Guerra, today one of the tributes came to mind.  I wouldn't have known that as I read this poem that in the near future, it's words would have a much more personal meaning.  I tried to track down the poet and I hope she doesn't mind that I share this piece with you.

I Hate To See You Cry As I Say Goodbye

By: Leona Marie

Do not be sad that I am gone

I promise that this is not my last song

I am overhead testing sky waters

...I’ll be back to check on my daughter

Do not be sad that I am gone

As I am dancing with my favorite angel above

We are in the nebulae doing the tango in love

I’ll be back to hear all of my future grandchildren’s concerts

While I watch as you, in my memory, try out those tasty deserts

Do not be sad that I am gone

You know that my body decayed and I was trapped in its form

Now I run free in the wind spinning around as I am reborn

Do not be sad that I am gone

At night, I lay kisses on your cheek while you are asleep

And you can still speak to me while you are in your dreams deep

Do not be sad that I am gone

You will all be in my heart forever

Pass The Dream Act Now!

When you simply bad mouth any effort to solve the problem of an estimated 2.1 million undocumented students, and fail to come up with a valid alternative, then you are a bigot, a racist, disingenuous and a disgrace to this country. Again, have all you haters even read the Dream Act?


For those of you who still believe the out right LIE, that their future education is coming out of your pocket, so here’s the truth that some are either too dense to or refuse to comprehend.


Should this bill pass, you as an American taxpayer do not have to pay anything for these students. Tuition paid by these students will be the full amount of the college tab, and again, paid by these students. So if you want to complain about wasted money, complain about the some of the spoiled American kids who sit and take up precious space in the classroom who fail to even attempt to make good grades or fail a class on your dime through financial aid. Furthermore, stop the rhetoric that American kids will be getting the shaft and unable to get into a college education because of these students. If a college education is a part of their dream they will use the tools we all pay for and provide through public education and work their ass off to get the grades and qualify to get into a college and that degree. Stop using these students as an excuse for your children’s down fall and failures. - Cihuapilli

CALL YOUR SENATE REPRESENTATIVES TODAY!

FOR INFORMATION HOW TO CONTACT THEM, CLICK HERE!

LET US DREAM
Marielena Hincapié.Executive director, National Immigration Law Center
Posted: December 17, 2010 10:14 AM
 
A defining moment for all senators, especially for Republicans who will show their true colors by how they vote on the DREAM Act, which paves a path toward U.S. citizenship for undocumented students brought here as young children if they attend college or serve in the military. Tomorrow will tell if they value the American dream, if they believe in a well-educated and competitive workforce, if they are truly striving for American prosperity, if they are indeed worthy of the office they hold. Saturday's vote will tell us if they have the courage to lead. (FULL ARTICLE)

Tembleque: A Classic Puerto Rican Desert Recipe

A wonderful pudding from the Puerto Rican Culture. Very easy to make and tasty!

Tembleque

2 cups coconut milk

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

In a saucepan mix the cold coconut milk with the cornstarch. Season with sugar and salt. Mix remaining ingredients in and cook over low heat stirring constantly until it boils and thickens.

Serve in small dishes, sprinkle with cinnamon.

 

Let cool or refrigerate.  Enjoy!

Pass The DREAM Act: Time To Vote Yes Or Get Voted Out In 2012.

PASS THE DREAM ACT

How many of you even know what the DREAM Act consists of?  Before some of you supposed patriots who oppose the DREAM Act, continue spewing lies and threats, how about caring enough about your country and read the bill right HERE!

Look, there is no way, and even major leaders of the GOP agree, that we can deport all undocumented immigrant’s in this country, period.

If we don’t allow the children of illegal immigrants the dream this Act provides, Americans, meaning you and I, will end up paying for them in innumerable ways. If we do give them this chance, then they will attain their American dream that this country promises and they will contribute to America in general, throughout their lives.

In addition, the DREAM Act will allow our immigration and border security experts to focus on those who pose a serious threat to our nation’s security. Secretary Napolitano believes this targeted legislation provides a firm but fair way to deal with innocent children brought to the U.S. at a young age so that the Department of Homeland Security can dedicate their enforcement resources to detaining and deporting criminals and those who pose a threat to our country.

So here are some of the numbers you might be interested in..

"The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would increase projected deficits by between $5 billion and $20 billion between 2021 and 2061 after the first DREAM Act beneficiaries gain legal status.


Still, conservatives will likely use the CBO's deficit number to criticize the bill, arguing it proves that the bill would create higher costs in the long term by allowing more immigrants to become legal residents.


However the CBO report does not account for the revenue increases that will come from the act as beneficiaries enter higher paying jobs and pay more taxes. A recent study from UCLA showed DREAM Act beneficiaries would generate between 1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion in income over a 40-year period."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/03/dream-act-vote-on-deck-cb_n_791764.html


Contact your elected officials and tell them to support the DREAM Act HERE!

Just do it!

Carlos Guerra: Columnist At Large, Taken Too Soon

Rest In Peace My Friend

Carlos Guerra

Columnist At Large,  Taken Too Soon.

San Antonio columnist and South Texas civil rights leader Carlos Guerra spent a lifetime advocating for better access to education at all levels and continued to be a strong and sometimes stern voice for the Hispanic community, saying  that change was possible and we all had to be the force behind that change.

To know me is to know that if anything awkward is going to happen, it’s going to happen to me. So let me tell you about my first meeting with Carlos Guerra.

I was fortunate to have met Carlos Guerra not long after his retirement from the Express-News. Just by chance we happened to choose the same fishing spot in Port A and instead of moving away from my fishing space, he parked himself and his equipment nearby. “Rules, fishing rules and he broke them!” I just remember mumbling under my breath “wonderful”.

It wasn’t difficult to recognize who he was since I’d been reading this mean looking mans column for years. A few silent hours went by and to make a long story short, I snagged an eel and when I reeled it in and pulled it up and over…yup, it slapped Carlos in the shoulder. I apologized, he laughed and the ice was broken. We stayed in touch off and on especially during the 2010 mid term elections. He passed a few secret recipes that I’ve never attempted to make and shared a few secret fishing spots he favored over your regular tourist spots. Every conversation, exchanged email or Facebook message was a lesson in Chicano history and life itself.  In such a short time I grew to know that behind that mean profile photo, Carlos Guerra was the kindest and most caring man I would come to know.  

I am proud to say Carlos Guerra was my mentor and he taught me much.  Most of all, I thank God for the opportunity to have gotten to know him as a friend.  Carlos, I'll miss you dearly.

My sincerest condolences to the Guerra Family & Friends. 



SA E-N: Former E-N columnist found dead

Carlos Guerra, a former columnist at the San Antonio Express-News, was found dead Monday in Port Aransas, officials there said.

Officers with the Port Aransas Police Department found Guerra in the one-bedroom condominium where he was staying on Mustang Island, said Lt. Darryl Johnson.

The cause of death is unknown

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Former-E-N-columnist-found-dead-864129.php

Tejano Spicy Sticky Ribs

Tejano Spicy Sticky Ribs

These ribs are rubbed at the start with a dry spice mixture, and allowed to marinate for several hours. Then they are baked with water to steam them to full flavor and tenderness - and only then are they finished on the grill (or in the oven) with the marvelous sticky glaze.


SERVES 4

For 4 1/2 pounds, pork baby back ribs:

The Rub:

1/4 cup, paprika

1/4 cup, ground ancho chiles - or chile powder of your choice

1/4 cup, ground cumin

2 tablespoons, salt


The Glaze:

1/4 cup, chopped garlic (about 15 cloves)

3 large jalapeno chiles - stemmed and seeded*

(*leave seeds in for more heat)

1 tablespoon, ground cumin

3 tablespoons, Tabasco sauce

1 cup, freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon, salt

1 cup, honey



The Method:

Combine the four rub ingredients in a small bowl to blend, then pat the mixture all over the ribs. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours - or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the marinated ribs in a single layer in a baking pan, and pour in water to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Bake, uncover, for 45 minutes. Cover with foil, and return to oven to bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients except the honey, and puree. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and stir in the honey. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly and being careful not to burn, for 20 minutes.

To finish ribs in oven: turn up oven heat to 450 degrees. Brush the ribs generously with the honey glaze, and bake for 10 minutes per side, basting with the honey glaze every 5 minutes.

To finish ribs on grill: generously coat the ribs with the honey glaze, and grill for 5 minutes per side, brushing frequently with additional glaze.

Allow ribs to stand for 10 minutes - then cut the ribs apart and serve.