Column of the Americas 2008-1994
HUEHUETLAHTOLLI: THE ANCIENT WORD OF [MY] CREATOR COUPLE
May 7, 2008
BILINGUAL/BILINGUE
ROBERTO DR. CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
How many times have I spoken to friends who speak of a massive hurt that does not go away because of words left unspoken, because of never having reconciled with ones’ parents, because of never having had that conversation? How many times have I heard friends speak highly of their parents and how many funerals have we all attended where the most
Maiz Medicine: MujeresMaizCreacion
Apr 21, 2008
By Roberto Rodriguez
The words are rhythmic… they are spoken, sung and danced to the beat of a drum every March 8 – Dia Internacional de la mujer. On this particular evening at Self-Help Graphics, they can even be heard down the street on Cesar Chavez Blvd. in East L.A. They are wisdom, based on traditions and prophesy. Some are found in the Popul Vuh – the ancient sacred book of the Maya –
THE PRICE OF A MEXICAN PART 2
Apr 14, 2008
BY ROBERTO DR. CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
In early December, a Mexican family is pulled over by a Tucson police officer who promptly calls immigration officers to the scene. In the meantime, a passenger, Miriam Aviles-Reyes, goes into early labor on the street. While her husband is deported, she is taken to a hospital. There, an immigration agent prods her to “push.” Outraged, she demands that he leave
Patzin: April Allergies
Apr 7, 2008
by Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin -- Respectworthy Medicine in Nahuatl -- is a monthly column on Indigenous medicine for Column of the Americas
April 7, 2008
These are stressful times -- war, immigration raids, militarized walls, paramilitary patrols, and general incivility are additional stressors as people work longer and get less return on the dollar. Allergies are signals that the body is
THE TRIALS & TRAILS OF RAULSALINAS
Mar 17, 2008
raulsalinas: March 17, 1934- Feb 13, 2008
BY ROBERTO DR. CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
AmorIndio * poeta * human being * Indigenous * Red man * Brown man * Hombre de maiz. Hombre de trenza. Hombre del barrio. Man in prison stripes * Resistencia * Indio with a pen * Indio in a pen * Resistencia * Movimiento * Hermano * Tio * In tlili In tlapiili – possessor of the red & black ink * Temextiani-teacher-
MY AUNT JERRY: TIA-OLOGY OF LIBERATION
Mar 10, 2008
By Patrisia Gonzales
Recently, my Aunt Jerry got the big promotion to run the sewing
department Upstairs. She was buried with her life's instruments, needle, thimble and thread. Every time I hear the whir of a Singer, I'll imagine my tía sewing celestial sarapes and mending Holy wings.
And when there's thunder, I'll hear my tía's carcajadas and, well, other noises she was famous for…..
My
REMEMBERING & HONORING RUBEN SALAZAR
March 3, 2008
BILINGUAL/BILINGUE
BY ROBERTO DR. CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
For close to 40 years, my memories of journalist, Ruben Salazar, have been of smoke, fire, riots, rampaging police, and his premature death in East L.A. on August 29, 1970. Seared into my memory is running home every day to see the Inquest held into his death. What is actually seared is not the fact that he was killed by a nine-inch tear-gas
THE WAR & THE STATE OF JOURNALISM
February 19, 2008
BY ROBERTO DR. CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
Before the war, the Bush-Cheney administration made numerous preposterous claims about the imminent threat posed by Iraq that for the most part turned out to be false. After its doomsday assertions were proven to be false, amazingly and with a straight face, the administration began to advance with what amounted to be denials about having made such claims.
More
MYTH-MAKING & OUR ELECTION YEAR NARRATIVES
Thursday, February 7, 2008
BY ROBERTO “DR. CINTLI” RODRIGUEZ
In this election, there should be but one issue on the table: what will be the relationship between the president and the people and laws of the United States? Within the context of 2008, this means asking the contenders: Does the United States – does the U.S. president – have the right to wage permanent preemptive war against any and all nations and do the
IT TAKES A UNIVERSE
January 29, 2008
NEWS FROM COLUMN OF THE AMERICAS
BY ROBERTO DR.CINTLI RODRIGUEZ
A few years back, while writing a nationally syndicated column for Universal Press Syndicate, Patrisia and I were recruited to pursue degrees at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. We were recruited because we had begun to do research on origins and migrations. Both of us had many years of journalism & column writing
THE ART OF DECIPHERING POLITICAL-SPEAK
January 21, 2008
COLUMN OF THE AMERICAS
MACEHUAL BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Politicians possess a special language that requires special translators. Yet, they don't simply engage in double-speak and
obfuscation. Their primary objective, particularly during elections, seems to be to contribute to national myth-making: the idea of American exceptionalism.
This year's number one word/phrase & myth is "change." Sen.
THE SILENCE OF THE 999 MONKEYS
Dec 18, 2007
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
© Column of the Americas 2007
In order to tell a big lie to the American people, it is not necessary to fool 300 million Americans. To govern by deceit, it is not
necessary to fool 151 million people. All that is required to run a dishonest government is to fool but 999 people, otherwise known as the nation's decision-and-opinion-makers. In truth, in order to run
BLAME THE MEXICANS
Dec 4, 2007
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Let’s play a game. I ask a question, and no matter the facts, the answer is: The Mexicans. For example, who is responsible for ushering in the era of robber baron government in which the top 1 percent is raking in the trillions while spreading misery to the middle class and the working poor? The Mexicans. That one was too easy. How about: Who stole or who has
ON THE VERGE OF DEMOCRACY COLLAPSE DISORDER
Nov 19, 2007
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Colony Collapse Disorder: this is the name given to the dying off of the world’s bees, which spells an impending global crisis. It’s not that I want to make light of this diagnosis. Quite the reverse; it’s that the name could just as easily be applied to the state of the nation. Though Democracy Collapse Disorder is what comes to mind.
When historians look back
PATZIN: SWEEPING THE ROADS
Nov 1, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin: (Nahuatl for respect worthy medicine) -- a special monthly edition on Indigenous Medicine
We dance in a circle, some of us with our bundles of herbs and escobitas, our little curing brooms. The sweeping of the roads ceremonial cycle has just begun. Long ago in this sacred count, the midwives and traditional healers danced with bundles of marigolds and tobacco and
TIME FOR THE COLUMBUS MATTRESS SALE AGAIN
October 11, 2007
Macehual By Roberto Rodriguez
Challenging the widely held-beliefs of his contemporaries, Christopher Columbus sets sail across the Atlantic ocean on La Pinta, la Niña and the Santa Maria. The objective of this commercial venture, called The Enterprise, is to find a Westerly route to the Indies. After several months of sailing, on Oct. 12, 1492, he discovers America and proves that the world is
Challenging the widely held-beliefs of his contemporaries, Christopher Columbus sets sail across the Atlantic ocean on La Pinta, la Niña and the Santa Maria. The objective of this commercial venture, called The Enterprise, is to find a Westerly route to the Indies. After several months of sailing, on Oct. 12, 1492, he discovers America and proves that the world is
PATZIN: GRANDFATHER TOBACCO
September 3, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respect-worthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Several years ago, I was asked to give a prayer for a gathering of tobacco researchers. In my hand I held ceremonial tobacco that friend Lawrence Shorty had gifted me. For years, Lawrence has grown Native ceremonial tobacco and offered this sacred plant for free to Native communities in
“WE GOT HER!”
Aug 20, 2007
MACEHUAL BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
AN OPEN LETTER TO TOM TANCREDO
(And other would-be presidents)
Mr. Tancredo:
So you want to be president? What are your qualifications? That you want all the Elvira Arellanos in this country to be rounded up and
deported?
I heard your credo the other day. At the recent Republican debate, you said you had been saved by Jesus Christ. Was that you who said that? To
Keeping Kalli
Aug 9, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin -- Nahuatl for respect-worthy medicine - is a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
To keep kalli, or to keep house is a sacred responsibility. Kalli or calli is the Nahuatl word for house. The house was considered so
important that it is one of the year symbols in numerous Mesoamerican calendars. The year of the house holds a particular teaching. When the calendar
Patzin -- Nahuatl for respect-worthy medicine - is a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
To keep kalli, or to keep house is a sacred responsibility. Kalli or calli is the Nahuatl word for house. The house was considered so
important that it is one of the year symbols in numerous Mesoamerican calendars. The year of the house holds a particular teaching. When the calendar
TAKING GEORGE THE TERRIBLE TO THE MAT
July 30, 2007
Macehual by Roberto Rodriguez
Worldwide polls conclude that president George Bush & vice president Dick Cheney - instigators of the illegal and immoral war against Iraq - are viewed as the most mistrusted, most despised and most dangerous leaders on this planet. This duo - who by now are at best delusional - probably see this as a compliment.
Maybe it's war-fatigue. Or maybe it's just this
Worldwide polls conclude that president George Bush & vice president Dick Cheney - instigators of the illegal and immoral war against Iraq - are viewed as the most mistrusted, most despised and most dangerous leaders on this planet. This duo - who by now are at best delusional - probably see this as a compliment.
Maybe it's war-fatigue. Or maybe it's just this
OUR UNDOCUMENTED WARS
Jul 12, 2007
Macehual by Roberto Rodriguez
In the past seven years, Republicans have been on the wrong side of virtually every issue - from the environment, universal health care, a living wage, food and drug safety, consumer protection and worker and civil rights - to the Iraq war and war-profiteering corporations.
Despite this, Republicans continue to get their way - even when they lose elections. (It
In the past seven years, Republicans have been on the wrong side of virtually every issue - from the environment, universal health care, a living wage, food and drug safety, consumer protection and worker and civil rights - to the Iraq war and war-profiteering corporations.
Despite this, Republicans continue to get their way - even when they lose elections. (It
SUNFLOWERS, LEMONS & THE PITS
July 2, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respect worthy Medicine) is a monthly edition on
Indigenous medicine
In Mexican Traditional Medicine, precious petals, leaves, seeds, rinds and even pits are medicine that should be put to use. While the
girasol towers in gardens and on roadsides, we should not let the power of Sunflower go to waste. Sunflower seeds, leaves, bark and
petals make
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respect worthy Medicine) is a monthly edition on
Indigenous medicine
In Mexican Traditional Medicine, precious petals, leaves, seeds, rinds and even pits are medicine that should be put to use. While the
girasol towers in gardens and on roadsides, we should not let the power of Sunflower go to waste. Sunflower seeds, leaves, bark and
petals make
HUEHUETLAHTOLLI FOR THE MIGRANT
Jun 25, 2007
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
JUNE 25, 2007 (BILINGUAL EDITION)
Your footprints are not always left in deserts, mountains or rivers. Like a shadow, they follow you everywhere. From Mexico and Central America, and South America too, they follow you into El Norte.
From your NAFTA-decimated fields and factories, your footprints follow you into toxic factories and pesticide-laden fields. They
JUNE 25, 2007 (BILINGUAL EDITION)
Your footprints are not always left in deserts, mountains or rivers. Like a shadow, they follow you everywhere. From Mexico and Central America, and South America too, they follow you into El Norte.
From your NAFTA-decimated fields and factories, your footprints follow you into toxic factories and pesticide-laden fields. They
HUEHUETLAHTOLLI FOR THE NATION’S LEADERS
June 17, 2007
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
“… Here is how you shall be known, how people will speak of you, how you will be remembered by the people. It is necessary that you lower your head, that you govern in a humble manner, with kindness, and always pay attention to the needs of the people. Don’t ever take advantage of the people…”
Huehuetlahtolli: Testimonios de la Antigua Palabra,
Miguel Leon-
Patzin: Hot and Cold in Mexican Traditional Medicine
June 7, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on
Indigenous medicine
Mexican Traditional Medicine (MTM) is often organized around an Indigenous system of diagnosis based on the balance of hot and cold
states in the body. This duality reflects Indigenous cosmologies that are founded in ever-balancing conditions created by the dynamics of hot and cold, sweet
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on
Indigenous medicine
Mexican Traditional Medicine (MTM) is often organized around an Indigenous system of diagnosis based on the balance of hot and cold
states in the body. This duality reflects Indigenous cosmologies that are founded in ever-balancing conditions created by the dynamics of hot and cold, sweet
THEM VERSUS US
May 28, 2007
MACEHUAL By ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Is anyone old enough to remember the expression: "Go Back to Africa?" Can anyone remember when the lynchings of Blacks, Asians and the hunting down of American Indians and Mexicans were commonplace? Does anyone remember when Jews -- during the time of the Holocaust-- were turned away at this nation's borders? How about the Chinese Exclusion Act? Can anyone remember
Is anyone old enough to remember the expression: "Go Back to Africa?" Can anyone remember when the lynchings of Blacks, Asians and the hunting down of American Indians and Mexicans were commonplace? Does anyone remember when Jews -- during the time of the Holocaust-- were turned away at this nation's borders? How about the Chinese Exclusion Act? Can anyone remember
HUEHUETLAHTOLLI FOR GRADUATES
May 21, 2007
HUEHUETLAHTOLLI - ANCIENT WORD - ANTIGUA PALABRA
BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
SPECIAL 2007 GRADUATION EDITION
Graduados! Graduates!
Tiahui! Adelante! Forward!
Ahora que han recibido un papelito,
from the telpochcalli to the Calmecac,
from high school to the university,
ahora son Raza con documentos.
Pero ahora, que hacer? What to do/where to go?
Hacia Tamuanchan? Hacia Huehuetlapallan?
De donde
BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
SPECIAL 2007 GRADUATION EDITION
Graduados! Graduates!
Tiahui! Adelante! Forward!
Ahora que han recibido un papelito,
from the telpochcalli to the Calmecac,
from high school to the university,
ahora son Raza con documentos.
Pero ahora, que hacer? What to do/where to go?
Hacia Tamuanchan? Hacia Huehuetlapallan?
De donde
THE ELUSIVE BARS OF JUSTICE
May 15, 2007
Macehual By Roberto Rodriguez
As a result of the May 1 melee at MacArthur park in which at least 60 innocent people were injured, heads have begun to roll. However, if the past is any indication, it is virtually a foregone conclusion that punishment will not result in prison time for any of the Los Angeles Police Department officers that attacked the innocent bystanders.
This should be a
As a result of the May 1 melee at MacArthur park in which at least 60 innocent people were injured, heads have begun to roll. However, if the past is any indication, it is virtually a foregone conclusion that punishment will not result in prison time for any of the Los Angeles Police Department officers that attacked the innocent bystanders.
This should be a
Without Amnesty & Without Animosity. Yes!
May 7, 2007
MACEHUAL BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
"Without Amnesty & Without Animosity."
When I heard the president utter those words, I said to myself, ""Yes!!!"
Apparently, I had not been paying attention too closely because when he gave his rehearsed punchline, I thought he had been giving a sober assessment of how to approach the issue of lawbreakers within his own administration -- of how to treat them:
"Without Amnesty & Without Animosity."
When I heard the president utter those words, I said to myself, ""Yes!!!"
Apparently, I had not been paying attention too closely because when he gave his rehearsed punchline, I thought he had been giving a sober assessment of how to approach the issue of lawbreakers within his own administration -- of how to treat them:
Bush’s Migra: Iceman Gone Wild
April 15, 2007
Macehual By Roberto Rodriguez
Under the president's watch, several thousand Mexican and Central American migrants have died along the border. Under his watch, massive Gestapo-style nationwide immigration raids-- in which families and communities are being torn apart -- have become emblematic of his failed immigration policies.
These raids get lots of press, cause widespread terror, but do not
Under the president's watch, several thousand Mexican and Central American migrants have died along the border. Under his watch, massive Gestapo-style nationwide immigration raids-- in which families and communities are being torn apart -- have become emblematic of his failed immigration policies.
These raids get lots of press, cause widespread terror, but do not
Bush Signs U.S/Mexico Secret Pact
April 1, 2007
BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
& PATRISIA GONZALES
Special April 1st edition
We have obtained documents of a secret pact signed this past month by the presidents of the United States and Mexico that guarantees the right of the United States to purchase Mexican oil at half-price for 30 years. It also grants the United States the right to "secure" Mexico's oil fields in the event of an emergency.
In
Special April 1st edition
We have obtained documents of a secret pact signed this past month by the presidents of the United States and Mexico that guarantees the right of the United States to purchase Mexican oil at half-price for 30 years. It also grants the United States the right to "secure" Mexico's oil fields in the event of an emergency.
In
Degradation of Women as Profit & Sport
March 18, 2007
By Roberto Rodriguez
As I write this, my heart is still pumping fast from my daily workout.
Only my writing takes precedence over my love of sports and the great outdoors. There are few things in life that feel better than an exhilarating bike ride or hitting all-net from beyond 20-feet; writing a column to help build a new world is one of them.
Sports actually used to be a bigger part of my
As I write this, my heart is still pumping fast from my daily workout.
Only my writing takes precedence over my love of sports and the great outdoors. There are few things in life that feel better than an exhilarating bike ride or hitting all-net from beyond 20-feet; writing a column to help build a new world is one of them.
Sports actually used to be a bigger part of my
Abuela Luna & The Cycles of La Mujer
March 5, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Abuela Luna exerts a powerful force on the Earth, particularly on women. La luna affects the tides, and therefore also the waters in our bodies. Water is also associated with emotions and human beings are significantly comprised of electricity, or light, and water. As women, it is
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Abuela Luna exerts a powerful force on the Earth, particularly on women. La luna affects the tides, and therefore also the waters in our bodies. Water is also associated with emotions and human beings are significantly comprised of electricity, or light, and water. As women, it is
W’s Monument to 9-11
February 18, 2007
By Roberto Rodriguez
In November, the voters blow the trumpets loudly. Now, Congress half-ways wakens from its slumber, and the president says he knows now what to do: Once again: it is forward-backward, to Victory!
... In the wake of 9-11, ashes smoldering in the air, his eyes look toward the heavens
and tells us he knows now why he was "chosen.” His instructions have come from above, not
In November, the voters blow the trumpets loudly. Now, Congress half-ways wakens from its slumber, and the president says he knows now what to do: Once again: it is forward-backward, to Victory!
... In the wake of 9-11, ashes smoldering in the air, his eyes look toward the heavens
and tells us he knows now why he was "chosen.” His instructions have come from above, not
Yolpahtli: Heart Medicine
February 11, 2007
by Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Nuestro corazon es nuestra medicina. Our heart has medicine. Our antepasados believed our heart was the seat of intelligence. It was our house. What will we let in our casa? In ixtli, in yollotl, it is said in the huehuetlatolli, the old, old word, our original instructions, that a wise
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Nuestro corazon es nuestra medicina. Our heart has medicine. Our antepasados believed our heart was the seat of intelligence. It was our house. What will we let in our casa? In ixtli, in yollotl, it is said in the huehuetlatolli, the old, old word, our original instructions, that a wise
Freeing the Spirit of the Americas
January 15, 2007
BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
The sacred count has begun.
Some might call what is happening on Turtle Island prophesy, whereas others will simply say that given the continent's demographics, it was only a matter of time that the centuries-old process of de-Indigenization would begin to be challenged and reversed, commencing a process of re-Indigenization or the Indigenization of the Americas. This
The sacred count has begun.
Some might call what is happening on Turtle Island prophesy, whereas others will simply say that given the continent's demographics, it was only a matter of time that the centuries-old process of de-Indigenization would begin to be challenged and reversed, commencing a process of re-Indigenization or the Indigenization of the Americas. This
Violence, Memory & Colonizing Myths
January 2, 2007
By Patrisia Gonzales & Roberto Rodriguez
Violence, Memory and Colonizing Hollywood Myths
SPECIAL-LENGTH NEW YEAR'S COLUMN
Gonzales: Grandma's grinding stone echoes with the rasp and crackle of corn on the metate. Some things continue. Mamie Andrews's story emerged during the holidays, a picture now hung among my memories as I grind corn on the last day of the year. I only know of her because
Violence, Memory and Colonizing Hollywood Myths
SPECIAL-LENGTH NEW YEAR'S COLUMN
Gonzales: Grandma's grinding stone echoes with the rasp and crackle of corn on the metate. Some things continue. Mamie Andrews's story emerged during the holidays, a picture now hung among my memories as I grind corn on the last day of the year. I only know of her because
Reading in Red & Brown
December 31, 2006
by Roberto Rodriguez & Patrisia Gonzales
Each of the following books deserves a full critical review, but time & space prevents this. Yet, each is highly recommended. One thing to
be noted here is that though the books are seemingly unrelated, in truth, war, violence forced migrations and injustice permeates through virtually all of them. And perhaps more accurately, what binds them are
Mexico: Under the Cover of Night
December 18, 2006
By ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Under the cover of midnight, on the eve of his installation, Felipe Calderon of the Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) was sworn in as the new president of Mexico, not before Congress, but rather, in an impromptu ceremony at Mexico's presidential palace. Five months after a highly disputed election -- Mexico now has two presidents; one official (Calderon) and the other, Andres
Sacred Counts of the Life Makers
Dec 4, 2006
by Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin: Nahuatl for respect worthy medicine, a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
We count the days with mecate, sacred ties with prayers in 20 counts. Time to offer water and ancestor prayers to the tree of life, purify, offer bundles of ocote and cotton for the Weaver. Grandmother turns inward and with the first snows come the stories. We must be in a proper state to
The blows to the head? To my head?
November 29, 2006
By Roberto Rodriguez
The young man is already down, but the blows to William Cardenas' face from a Los Angeles police officer keep coming.
The video -- as seen on YouTube -- is disturbing. What can be clearly seen is one officer holding him down, while another one administers a chokehold with his knee, while repeatedly punching away at his face.
And the flashbacks return. Alicia Sotero,
Impeachment for Dummies
November 20, 2006
by Roberto Rodriguez
The thumpin' that the Republican Party received on Nov. 7 can be interpreted in but one way: a total rejection of everything the president and his administration stands for. It was a total recall or even the equivalence of an electoral impeachment of the president.
It is also a clear demand for Congress to not simply end this war, but to also bring to account those
It’s Not Bush’s World After All
November, 13, 2006
By Roberto Rodriguez
The people have spoken. They have voted a resounding no to Bushworld. Translated, this means: No to the Iraq war. No to a United States of Fear. No to corruption, and, Yes to accountability and Yes to the U.S. Constitution.
In Bushworld, however, the president's faith and delusion have not been shaken: His take on the election is that now that Democrats are in control of
Sugar in the Blood: Herbs for Diabetes
November 6, 2006
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin: Nahuatl for respect worthy medicine, a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
I grew up with a pot of canela on the stove. My grandma's house always smelled of the tea of cinnamon sticks. My mother's house often smells of canela, as does mine. I suspect that is why most of my mom's generation is not afflicted by diabetes. Canela offsets sugar in the blood, as my
Geographies of Fear, Hate & Resistance
October 30, 2006
BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
SPECIAL ELECTION COLUMN
Human beings act and think differently when they are scared or feel threatened. Something primordial takes over. When human beings begin to live in a state of fear, they begin to act in a very psychologically unhealthy manner, far different from fight or flee - the human survival mechanism acquired over millions of years. In this heightened state,
The 15th Characteristic of Fascism
October 16, 2006
By Roberto Rodriguez
By now, many people are familiar with various analyses that describe the common characteristics of fascism. One that has received much attention is Lawrence Britt's 2004 article that lists fourteen defining characteristics of fascism. All the analyses are based primarily on examinations of 20th century fascist regimes and are meant as a warning regarding the Bush-Cheney
Corn is our Parent & Elder
October 3, 2006
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respect worthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
On my altar are prayer ties from Grandma Emma Ortega done the old way, with corn husks. Maiz has social, ceremonial, medicinal, and physical uses. All parts of the corn are used in Mexican Indigenous ways. As my husband Roberto says, Mexicans belong to corn cultures.
Corn is life, which
Mexico’s Latest Insurgent Revolt
September 18, 2006
MACEHUAL: BY ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ
Part 2 on the meaning of the 16th of Sept.
As of Sept 16th of this year -- Mexican Independence Day -- Mexico now has two presidents... and the nation is quiet. Actually, for the moment, Mexico has one official president, and two incoming ones; an official president-elect, and the "legitimate president of Mexico."
Also, Mexico now has two governments (in-
Sept. 16th & other Indigenous Revolts
September 11, 2006
By Roberto Rodriguez
Sept 15th-16th special edition: Two-Part Series
For several years, there has been speculation that Mexico is ripe for yet another Revolution. Most analysts have been speculating that this will most likely occur in 2010, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the Zapata-Villa-led Revolution and the 200-year anniversary of its Independence from a brutal Spain.
For
Surviving School with Herbal Wisdom
September 4, 2006
By Patrisia Gonzales
Patzin (Respect worthy Medicine in Nahuatl) a monthly edition on indigenous medicine from
As students return to school I share this column, based on a June 30, 2006 presentation at the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Over-thinking concentrates too much energy in your head and your feet become less grounded. Too much sitting and reading affect posture
