Well, at least one does. A new student leader for the Federation of University Centers in Venezuela took power on Tuesday. His political sabor-rattling reminds me of the FUA and the FUBA (Federation of Universities, Argentina/Buenos Aires), the much more militant student organizations in Argentina. Although castrated in the 1970s, the Argentine universitarios provided a model for student rebellion. The University of Buenos Aires conducted one of the most influential Univeristy Reforms in 1918, a rallying point for higher education in Latin America during the 1950s and 1960s, when the ideas were actually implemented. I guess from attending the University of Buenos Aires (Puan and Ramos Mejilla) I assumed all Latin American students were at the least supporting a "fuck the government" attitude and mostly "fuck them hard." During the 1970s this anti-government campaign supplied the shock troops for the, arguably, most successful guerrilla movement in the region, the Montoneros. Yet no worries, likely Ricardo is as full of rhetoric as the Venezuelan icon, Mr. Chavez.
http://www.el-nacional.com/www/site/detalle_noticia.php?q=nodo/10741
Ricardo Sánchez: Student Movement Will Search for a Role in Politics
El Nacional, Venezuela
January 15, 2008
Ricardo Sánchez took power this Tuesday as President of the Federation of University Centers [in Venezuela], “This generation has arrived for good and will be moving into leadership roles,” he stated.
“No one’s retreating anymore, our student movement has been losing contact with the country and the people. This generation has arrived for good and will be moving into leadership roles, fighting for the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Our student movement wants to be part of this nation’s leadership, we want a voice,” announced Ricardo Sánchez during the induction ceremony at the Central University of Venezuela.
The student leader did not rule out the possibility of university students questioning political power. He explained in 2008 students will continue to take positions on issues of national importance.
In this way, he demanded that national authorities release Nixon Moreno from his diplomatic role to the Vatican as Apostolic Nunciature [a position akin to exile]. He indicated that the freeing of the politician and former ULA student [University of the Andes] will be a priority for the student movement.
Ricardo Sánchez also demanded new regulations in the university, such as sanctions against professors who do not fulfill academic responsibilities, raising the total of student scholarships and adding more buses for transportation.
All errors and interpretations are, ultimately, a failure of an atrociously overfunded and underachieving Spanish Department at Northwestern. Did I say that out loud?
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Monday, 14 January 2008
The Church On Immigration
This popular Mexican newspaper outlines some factors in the local immigration debate and the role of Catholic leaders in shaping policy.
http://www.diariodemexico.com.mx/?module=displaystory&story_id=35022&format=html
Diario de México
Monday, January 14, 2008
Migrants are the Responsibility of Mexico and the United States, Claims Cardinal Rivera Carrera
The Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera believes the United States and Mexico share responsibility over immigration. On one side, countries receiving immigrants should treat these immigrants with dignity. He also claims countries sending migrants should provide jobs for their inhabitants.
During Sunday mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop Primate of Mexico maintained that migration can and should be another resource for the development of these nations, rather than an obstacle.
In light of the International Day of the Immigrant, the prelate noted the increased importance of immigration in our world today, with reference to the growing imbalance between rich and poor countries and the way communication has reduced large distances.
In this context, he claims, people in less fortunate zones are searching for better lives, migrating to rich countries. When they arrive, the migrants are often persecuted as a threat to the standard of living.
However, the Cardinal stressed the contributions of immigrants to the economic development of these countries. In a majority of cases, the immigrants fill a demand for labor that has not been satisfied.
Given the situation, the Cardinal believes countries should monitor their workforce so that foreign workers are not exploited. These countries should also provide equal working rights relative to other inhabitants.
“One essential part of this issue is an equal standard for immigration. This will guarantee that immigrants are effectively integrated into the receiving society, according to the principles of human dignity,” the Cardinal added.
Rivera Carrera insists that migrants should be treated with dignity and helped in every way possible to be reunited with their families. At the same time, the Cardinal claims that countries sending immigrants across national borders should provide more opportunities for work.
“There are responsibilities for countries receiving immigrants, but there are also important responsibilities for countries sending immigrants away. These migrants should have a good job in their own country.”
All mistakes and errors and interpretations are mine. Disculpas.
http://www.diariodemexico.com.mx/?module=displaystory&story_id=35022&format=html
Diario de México
Monday, January 14, 2008
Migrants are the Responsibility of Mexico and the United States, Claims Cardinal Rivera Carrera
The Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera believes the United States and Mexico share responsibility over immigration. On one side, countries receiving immigrants should treat these immigrants with dignity. He also claims countries sending migrants should provide jobs for their inhabitants.
During Sunday mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop Primate of Mexico maintained that migration can and should be another resource for the development of these nations, rather than an obstacle.
In light of the International Day of the Immigrant, the prelate noted the increased importance of immigration in our world today, with reference to the growing imbalance between rich and poor countries and the way communication has reduced large distances.
In this context, he claims, people in less fortunate zones are searching for better lives, migrating to rich countries. When they arrive, the migrants are often persecuted as a threat to the standard of living.
However, the Cardinal stressed the contributions of immigrants to the economic development of these countries. In a majority of cases, the immigrants fill a demand for labor that has not been satisfied.
Given the situation, the Cardinal believes countries should monitor their workforce so that foreign workers are not exploited. These countries should also provide equal working rights relative to other inhabitants.
“One essential part of this issue is an equal standard for immigration. This will guarantee that immigrants are effectively integrated into the receiving society, according to the principles of human dignity,” the Cardinal added.
Rivera Carrera insists that migrants should be treated with dignity and helped in every way possible to be reunited with their families. At the same time, the Cardinal claims that countries sending immigrants across national borders should provide more opportunities for work.
“There are responsibilities for countries receiving immigrants, but there are also important responsibilities for countries sending immigrants away. These migrants should have a good job in their own country.”
All mistakes and errors and interpretations are mine. Disculpas.
Saturday, 5 January 2008
New Orleans gets Latino
An article from El Mundo, a newspaper in El Salvador.
http://www.elmundo.com.sv/Mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6926&Itemid=41
New Orleans with Latino Spirit
January 4, 2008
Javier Maldonado
Diario El Mundo
The latino community in New Orleans continues to grow with Salvadorians numbering as many as 2,000. The latter are recognized for their part in reconstructing the city after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
After the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of 80% of New Orleans in August of 2005, it appeared that life in this richly historic city had ended.
Half the population was forced to abandon the city, including more than 3,000 Salvadorians. Just as the world wrote it off, the latino community rebuilt the city and restored its wonder. These workers not only reconstructed a city, but also became part of its daily culture.
Salvadorians, Mexicans, Guatemalans, Nicaraguans and Hondurans are already a part of the new racial mixture after Hurricane Katrina.
“There are many latinos who arrived in New Orleans to find work in the tourism industry, the most important in the city, knowing they would be among Salvadorians,” indicated Kelly Schulz, vice president of communications at the Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Schulz, who was also forced to leave the city in 2005, assured that latinos have not only arrived looking for work in tourism and construction, but also as tourists themselves. Because of this, her office has just incorporated latino staff to offer Spanish assistance.
“The truth is that for latinos it was very sad to see the city under water. I was forced to leave, but when everything seemed normal again I knew I would go back,” tells Barbara Robichauz, a student at Loyola University of Mexican descent.
To rebuild New Orleans, more than $400 million has been invested. However, areas outside the tourist regions, including entire neighborhoods, remain scarred by the disaster and wait to be reconstructed or demolished, perhaps by latino and even Salvadorian labor.
A census carried out by the consulate in Houston, Texas, tallied the Salvadorian community in New Orleans at more than 2,000. This number could be more as undocumented workers arrived from other states.
The presence of Salvadorians is becoming more and more common in the city. Zaria, a local employee of African descent, remembered on more than one occasion having attended to Salvadorians in search of souvenirs, as well as other Central Americans searching for a new start.
All errors and bad writing are mine.
http://www.elmundo.com.sv/Mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6926&Itemid=41
New Orleans with Latino Spirit
January 4, 2008
Javier Maldonado
Diario El Mundo
The latino community in New Orleans continues to grow with Salvadorians numbering as many as 2,000. The latter are recognized for their part in reconstructing the city after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
After the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of 80% of New Orleans in August of 2005, it appeared that life in this richly historic city had ended.
Half the population was forced to abandon the city, including more than 3,000 Salvadorians. Just as the world wrote it off, the latino community rebuilt the city and restored its wonder. These workers not only reconstructed a city, but also became part of its daily culture.
Salvadorians, Mexicans, Guatemalans, Nicaraguans and Hondurans are already a part of the new racial mixture after Hurricane Katrina.
“There are many latinos who arrived in New Orleans to find work in the tourism industry, the most important in the city, knowing they would be among Salvadorians,” indicated Kelly Schulz, vice president of communications at the Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Schulz, who was also forced to leave the city in 2005, assured that latinos have not only arrived looking for work in tourism and construction, but also as tourists themselves. Because of this, her office has just incorporated latino staff to offer Spanish assistance.
“The truth is that for latinos it was very sad to see the city under water. I was forced to leave, but when everything seemed normal again I knew I would go back,” tells Barbara Robichauz, a student at Loyola University of Mexican descent.
To rebuild New Orleans, more than $400 million has been invested. However, areas outside the tourist regions, including entire neighborhoods, remain scarred by the disaster and wait to be reconstructed or demolished, perhaps by latino and even Salvadorian labor.
A census carried out by the consulate in Houston, Texas, tallied the Salvadorian community in New Orleans at more than 2,000. This number could be more as undocumented workers arrived from other states.
The presence of Salvadorians is becoming more and more common in the city. Zaria, a local employee of African descent, remembered on more than one occasion having attended to Salvadorians in search of souvenirs, as well as other Central Americans searching for a new start.
All errors and bad writing are mine.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
In Guatemala President-Elect Looks Racist, Sexist, Short-Sighted
One of three national Guatemalan newspapers, La Hora provides a critical view of the incoming Álvaro Colom administration. The president-elect, Colom, will take office for the 2008-2012 term. He is the leader of the social-democratic National Union of Hope (UNE), considered to be a left-leaning party in Guatemala.
Guatemala, La Hora, by Elmer Telón, etelon@lahora.com.gt
http://www.lahora.com.gt/notasn.php?key=23719&fch=2008-01-02
National
Colom Has Nominated Only Male Elite, A Government without Women or Ethnic Diversity
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Twelve days from assuming control of the State, the president-elect has yet to demonstrate gender or ethnic diversity in his political nominations.
Not a single woman or indigenous person has been named for positions in the upcoming Colom administration, as the National Union of Hope (UNE) [Colom’s political party] fills openings in the cabinet and secretaries of the state.
According to Fernando Barillas, Colom’s public relations director, the evaluations for future members is not determined by social group, but rather women as well as indigenous people will participate in important, nationwide decisions with the president elect.
Regarding this topic, Colom has placed special emphasis on his search for open-minded officials, not racists or chauvinists, claimed Barillas. The absence of women or indigenous people in more prominent posts will be balanced through departmental and secretarial positions.
The government posts still not confirmed by Colom, which could be orientated toward ethnic or female leaders, are the Minister of Education, the Minister of Culture, [the director of] the Central American Newspaper, and [the director of] the Fund for the Development of the Guatemalan Indigenous People (Fodigua), among others.
Without a cabinet for the handover of power
The elected authorities and the current government initiated today the last phase toward the new administration, which was supposed to tackle specific topics and details between the current and incoming cabinet and secretarial members.
According to Rafael Espada, the vice-president elect and coordinator of the transition, the UNE has named working teams to receive these details in the final transition, including current conditions and projects from each of the ministries. Even though these ministries still do not have a designated head, Espada claims these teams will avoid institutional delays or confusion.
At nearly two months since the second round of voting, the president-elect has not filled the demand for incoming ministers or secretaries. Almost fifty percent of positions have not been declared.
The meeting today will involve a revision of global themes. Espada stated the pending issues include the development of rural sectors and security.
All errors and interpretations are mine.
Guatemala, La Hora, by Elmer Telón, etelon@lahora.com.gt
http://www.lahora.com.gt/notasn.php?key=23719&fch=2008-01-02
National
Colom Has Nominated Only Male Elite, A Government without Women or Ethnic Diversity
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Twelve days from assuming control of the State, the president-elect has yet to demonstrate gender or ethnic diversity in his political nominations.
Not a single woman or indigenous person has been named for positions in the upcoming Colom administration, as the National Union of Hope (UNE) [Colom’s political party] fills openings in the cabinet and secretaries of the state.
According to Fernando Barillas, Colom’s public relations director, the evaluations for future members is not determined by social group, but rather women as well as indigenous people will participate in important, nationwide decisions with the president elect.
Regarding this topic, Colom has placed special emphasis on his search for open-minded officials, not racists or chauvinists, claimed Barillas. The absence of women or indigenous people in more prominent posts will be balanced through departmental and secretarial positions.
The government posts still not confirmed by Colom, which could be orientated toward ethnic or female leaders, are the Minister of Education, the Minister of Culture, [the director of] the Central American Newspaper, and [the director of] the Fund for the Development of the Guatemalan Indigenous People (Fodigua), among others.
Without a cabinet for the handover of power
The elected authorities and the current government initiated today the last phase toward the new administration, which was supposed to tackle specific topics and details between the current and incoming cabinet and secretarial members.
According to Rafael Espada, the vice-president elect and coordinator of the transition, the UNE has named working teams to receive these details in the final transition, including current conditions and projects from each of the ministries. Even though these ministries still do not have a designated head, Espada claims these teams will avoid institutional delays or confusion.
At nearly two months since the second round of voting, the president-elect has not filled the demand for incoming ministers or secretaries. Almost fifty percent of positions have not been declared.
The meeting today will involve a revision of global themes. Espada stated the pending issues include the development of rural sectors and security.
All errors and interpretations are mine.
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
For Political Gain, All is Lost
Weren’t there hostages involved? International delegates scatter as political conditions worsen in Colombia. Big hype, no payoff. In other news, turns out Chávez isn’t Jesus Christ.
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=975335&pid=3748957&toi=5258
After Failed Negotiations, Kirchner returned to Argentina
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 posted at 5:30 PM (EST)
Yesterday at 7:50 AM, the former president arrived in El Calafate [Southern Argentina, Patagonia] where he was reunited with his wife and two children; Chávez accused President Uribe [Colombia] of attempting to “abort the proceedings;” international diplomats demand that Colombia “create a secure, humanitarian space” to allow the rescue of hostages from jungle guerrilla.
The former president Néstor Kirchner returned this morning after the failed attempt to free three hostages in Colombia. Various Latin American and European countries were also involved, attempting to expediate the operation.
Before returning to Argentina, Kirchner read a press release in Villavicencio, Colombia, announcing the decision to postpone the operation organized by the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez. Kirchner urged the countries involved to renew diplomatic efforts and bring about the release of the hostages.
Chávez accused his counterpart, the Colombian president Álvaro Uribe Vélez, of approaching Villavicencio this afternoon, an act which “launched a bomb” into the operation. Chávez has “not the slightest doubt that his government and his actions were aimed at aborting the release of the hostages.”
Chávez further claimed Uribe “launched a bomb into the humanitarian process and should, as the Colombian president, assume responsibility before the world.”
Uribe had promised an open “pathway” for military operations to facilitate the delivery. However, he accused the FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia] of “lying” and provoking doubt the guerrilla had possession of Emmanuel, the child born in captivity to Clara Rojas.
[...]
All errors and interpretations are mine.
It was 101 degrees in Buenos Aires today. Wow.
After Failed Negotiations, Kirchner returned to Argentina
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 posted at 5:30 PM (EST)
Yesterday at 7:50 AM, the former president arrived in El Calafate [Southern Argentina, Patagonia] where he was reunited with his wife and two children; Chávez accused President Uribe [Colombia] of attempting to “abort the proceedings;” international diplomats demand that Colombia “create a secure, humanitarian space” to allow the rescue of hostages from jungle guerrilla.
The former president Néstor Kirchner returned this morning after the failed attempt to free three hostages in Colombia. Various Latin American and European countries were also involved, attempting to expediate the operation.
Before returning to Argentina, Kirchner read a press release in Villavicencio, Colombia, announcing the decision to postpone the operation organized by the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez. Kirchner urged the countries involved to renew diplomatic efforts and bring about the release of the hostages.
Chávez accused his counterpart, the Colombian president Álvaro Uribe Vélez, of approaching Villavicencio this afternoon, an act which “launched a bomb” into the operation. Chávez has “not the slightest doubt that his government and his actions were aimed at aborting the release of the hostages.”
Chávez further claimed Uribe “launched a bomb into the humanitarian process and should, as the Colombian president, assume responsibility before the world.”
Uribe had promised an open “pathway” for military operations to facilitate the delivery. However, he accused the FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia] of “lying” and provoking doubt the guerrilla had possession of Emmanuel, the child born in captivity to Clara Rojas.
[...]
All errors and interpretations are mine.
It was 101 degrees in Buenos Aires today. Wow.
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