Every ten years, the federal government comes out with new census numbers, and certain Texas elected officials redraw our state and federal political maps to make sure that our political districts are fair based on the new numbers.
In the following video Harvey Kronberg of The Quorum Report, Ann del Llano of Southern Shift, and Carmen Llanes of PODER discuss the importance of redistricting in the 2010 elections, especially as it pertains to Texas.
We spoke with long time activist James Rucker about the upcoming 2010 elections and the census, and how they will impact an important issue like redistricting and gerrymandering. We also talked to him about the battle Color of Change has with Fox News and Glenn Beck as well as his relationship with Van Jones.
Every month, 50,000 Latinos in the U.S. turn 18; and with Latinos projected to be 50% of the U.S. population by 2050, the vote of this demographic group is more important than ever.
Mursuli shares his vision for creating a sustainable national Hispanic progressive vote that manifests in long-term systemic change and the steps to make it happen.
Yeah man I think I finally have it in action. Word to my man Crite for getting me all up to snuff technically and such. This one sounds way better than the last ones.
And it's all real rap music, like how we used to do (and they still do) on Damage Control, yeah man it's really goin' down on this one!
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It's a zshare link, I know I know, but they make it so easy. I wasn't gonna post the tracklist, cuz i want it to be like a real radio show and make everything a surprise, but fuck it, I'll just go ahead and do it. I'm in Montreal at the Pop Montreal Festival and don't know when I'll be able to update again.
So here you have it:
Hosted by me, Matt Sonzala aka MattSoReal aka Highouttamymindincanada...
Shafiq Hussein - Nirvana
Finale - Issues
Lots of ‘ Tea Party’ supporters may be jumping up and down and cheering because in the latest mark up session of the Senate Health Reform Bill, the ‘Public Option’ has been gutted. While it may be a temporary victory, mark our words it will be short lived… It’s a sad fact that some of life’s basic necessities are seen as political undertakings and not as human rights imperatives. Access to food, clothing, shelter and health should not be a political debate in any society and when they do become contentious issues we all pay a price. Bottomline, if I’m not healthy it's just a matter of time before you’re not healthy.
I always find this concept of Texas secession interesting. I especially find it interesting when I see and hear the way it's being framed. Words like ‘Freedom‘ ‘Independence‘ and ‘Oppression‘ are used suggesting that it's a noble endeavor and not something sinister. Some find the conversation compelling when it focuses on our main two parties Republicans and Democrats being a thorn in our collective sides that needs to be done away with. There’s lots of tough talk from secessionist about dissatisfaction with the Federal government which is very relatable when one looks at high unemployment rates, Wall Street Bankers getting bailed out, mismanaged wars and no Universal healthcare. All of this makes a secession argument intriguing.
By now everyone has heard or seen the disturbing video of 16-year-old honor student Derrion Albert from Christian Fenger Academy High School in Chicago. Albert somehow was caught in the middle of a melee involving two rival gangs and was struck from behind by another young man swinging a board. According to witnesses Derion was walking to a bus stop. When he fell to the ground, 3 or 4 young man stomped him to death… The killing was caught on cell phone and generated outrage and heartbreak throughout the country. The video lead to the arrest of 3 teenagers who were charged with his murder.
Everyone is talking about the arrest of ‘famed’ director Roman Polanski as he entered Switzerland the other day to attend an award show where he was being honored. He was arrested for being a fugitive on the run from the United States and is likely to be sent back to face charges for drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl 30 years ago. Polanski is best known for directing films like ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Rosemary’s Baby’. After he fled the country, he continued to shine by directing films like The Pianist which won him a couple of Academy Awards, the Ninth Gate and Tess to name a few.
Last week Southern Shift TV attended an incredible conference on Megaregions + MetroProsperity: Sustainable Economics for the Texas Triangle. The two day conference, hosted by HoustonTomorrow and America 2050, was a fascinating conversation about the future of energy, water, food, greenspace and transportation in the emerging Texas Triangle.
In the following video PolicyLink's Dwayne Marsh, a panelist at the conference, discusses the importance of striving for equitable development as the Texas Triangle grows into a diverse "megaregion". Dwayne also shares specific ways people can get involved in planning for this future growth.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the conference later this week...
PolicyLink's Dwayne Marsh, a panelist at the recent conference hosted by HoustonTomorrow, discusses the importance of striving for equitable development as the Texas Triangle grows into a diverse "megaregion". Dwayne also shares specific ways people can get involved in planning for this future growth.
