Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in Odessa

Last night, Dora and I traveled to Odessa for the John Ben Shepperd Lecture Series, hosted by the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute and UTPB. The featured guests were Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. If you have ever seen the motion picture "All The President's Men" starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, then you know the historical significance of Woodward and Bernstein, the Washington Post reporters responsible for the Post winning the '73 Pulitzer Prize for their work on the Watergate scandal during Richard Nixon's presidency. In a nutshell, these two men brought Richard Nixon down!!!!

The theme for the night was "From Nixon to Bush: What President Obama Can Learn from Presidents Past." The discussion was an intimate setting. To give the audience a sense of what happened, Woodward asked Bernstein questions and vice versa. Both Woodward and Bernstein were articulate, knowledgeable, and humorous. The following are some of the interesting points of the evening (yes, I took notes):

1. (Woodward) "Having dinner with [Al] Gore is like having dinner with a jackhammer...it's taxing."

2. (Woodward/Bernstein) "Unjustified secrecy is a problem for every president since Nixon."

3. (Woodward) How did they pursue the story of the century (Watergate)? Methodically...they went to everyone...clerks, assistants, ect. and they did not get sidetracked. They did not get caught up in the "noise." The "noise" was what Nixon was calling them in public and in the press..."fabrications" and reporters with "political agendas." They worked day and night. The most powerful man in the country consistently threatened them.

4. (Woodward) The Bush administration demonstrated a "contemptuousness for the truth." The number one mistake Bush made was having secret meetings with Cheney. At these secret meetings, decisions were discussed and made, without considering other options. In contrast, the Obama administration considers other options and debates the information.

5. (Bernstein) "Vietnam and the Watergate scandal are inseparable." Both had the element of secrecy...tapping reporters because the secrecy of the presidency was penetrated. "The Bush administration learned nothing from the Nixon presidency."

6. (Bernstein) The Watergate scandal is often misunderstood. It was not just about the breaking and entering. It had an agenda: to sabotage the leading Democratic presidential candidates....to retain power through unconstitutional methods.

7. (Woodward) Nixon had an obssession with Ted Kennedy, who was one of the leading candidates for the presidency. For instance, when Kennedy requested Secret Service detail because he was receiving numerous death threats, Nixon did not want to grant his request, but later changed his mind. Why? Nixon figured the Secret Service could work for HIM by serving as HIS spies. He wanted to sabotage Kennedy. The latest tapes reveal Nixon's hatred toward Kennedy.

8. (Bernstein) "Nixon and [George W.] Bush were horribly suited for the job."

9. (Woodward) Nixon and [George W.] Bush are different. Hate drove Nixon. Bush, on the other hand, had criticisms and justifiably so, but he didn't hate. He actually believed he was doing the right and moral thing. The drawback to this belief was that Bush believed his morality was infallible.

10. (Bernstein) "The point is, though different, Nixon and Bush both had character flaws that made them unsuitable for the job. And both believed that their morality was infallible."

11. (Woodward) The Whitewater scandal during the Clinton presidency was about nothing. There was nothing there to report. But the Clintons didn't know how to deal with a newly enfranchised press.

12. (Woodward/Bernstein) The Obama administration, so far, has steered clear from "unjustified secrecy," something that has plagued other administrations where they chose to make the press and its conduct the issue and not the conduct of the president.

They did include a brief discussion about Hillary Rodham Clinton, which I think bears witness to the fact that Hillary is a person who is capable of being a great leader. After all, the evening was about several different presidencies and here we were, throwing Hillary into the mix of powerful men. Bernstein's most recent book is the national bestseller A Woman In Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham. Woodward asked Bernstein what he thought of Hillary and he said, "She is a remarkable, able, vunerable human...passionate."

At the end of the evening, Dora was able to get her event program autographed by both Woodward and Bernstein. I took my personal copy of their book The Final Days, written in 1976 about the last days of the Nixon presidency, and had them autograph it. It was a great evening.

Today is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month!

The White House became ''La Casa Blanca'' on Tuesday, October 13th, celebrating Hispanic musical heritage with a South Lawn concert with performances by Gloria Estefan, the Bachata music group, Jose Feliciano, and more. The event was hosted by Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria Parker, and George Lopez. Thalia asked President Obama to dance and the Prez could be seen shaking his boo-tay! Marc Anthony, Pete Escovedo, his daughter Sheila E., and Tito ''El Bambino'' also performed. Sheila E. was musical director and leader of the house band.
Other notables at the concert included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic member of the high court. She posed for photos with everyone who sought them. Also present were Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and members of Congress. Renowned Latin American chef Maricel Presilla was guest chef for the evening.
Earlier Tuesday, Longoria Parker, a star of ''Desperate Housewives,'' and music producer Emilio Estefan met with other members of the National Museum of the American Latino Commission to discuss plans for a possible Latino museum in Washington. Heeeeyyyy! I am very excited about that and I sincerely hope it comes to fruition! Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., said Salazar asked the commission to report back in a year on whether a museum or some other project dedicated to Latino history, art and culture is feasible. Becerra had sponsored a bill for a museum but said he'll wait for the commission's recommendation before taking further action.

And I'd like to remind EVERYONE to watch "Latino In America," a special report by CNN's Soledad O'Brien, which premieres OCTOBER 21 AND 22 at 8:00 p.m. She will uncover what it's like to be, as the name suggests, latino in America.

Granted, being latino in America is a struggle. To be sure, things have gotten a lot better since the first half of the 20th century. In terms of overcoming everyday struggles, being Latino is one thing, but being a gay/lesbian latino/latina is quite another. While Latinos have broken ground in just about everything in America, gay Latinos remain largely invisible, especially in the public arena. There exists a deep-seated homophobia within the Latino community, which has forced many LGBT Latinos to go underground...live "in the closet." Here again, though, changes are underway. Attitudes are shifting.

For example, El Diario La Prensa, one of the oldest and largest Spanish-language newspapers in the U.S., recently endorsed the rights of same-sex couples to marry. And within the past three years, lawmakers in countries as diverse as Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico have passed laws granting rights and protections to gays and lesbians.
But we still face special challenges. Like other gay people of color, Latino gays face a double bind: discrimination from mainstream culture and from their own community. This double bind presents an obstacle to Latinos who consider coming out. Their challenge: risking rejection from their family when they need their family as a refuge from racism. The family is the unit that provides the support and the one place that people can feel free and protected. It becomes doubly difficult for people to come out. Those who take that risk may pay a price.
For example, Emanuel Xavier, a gay poet and spoken word artist, says he almost destroyed himself because he couldn't find acceptance within the Latino community. The New York-based poet says he grew up knowing that his sexual identity infuriated other Latinos. He once saw kids pelt a gay Latino hairdresser with stones. He routinely heard Roman Catholic priests condemn homosexuals. His own mother called him names when she discovered he was gay, says Xavier, editor of "Mariposas: A Modern Anthology of Queer Latino Poetry." Xavier says he was so filled with self-loathing that he once sold drugs and engaged in risky sexual behavior. "I became all those things society expected me to become," he says. "I thought that was the only thing I could be." Xavier says he decided to ditch his reckless lifestyle and become a poet. He reconciled with his mother and took on a new mission. He wanted to show others that one could be Latino, gay and proud. "Fortunately, I walked away unscathed," he says of his earlier days. "I thought that God had given me a second chance, and I felt like I had to do something with that."

Unfortunately, others aren't as lucky as Xavier.

Bottom Line: Tolerance is no longer enough. What is required is ACCEPTANCE!!

Be Mindful Prez Obama...The Eyes of the LGBT Community Are Upon YOU!

President Obama spoke at an HRC (Human Rights Campaign) dinner on Saturday, renewing his vow to allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military, but disappointed quite a number of critics who say he is not fighting aggressively enough for gay rights. What was their beef? He failed to offer a timetable for ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It's been observed that he is simply "buying more time" until he needs our votes again.
If you've been watching the news, you know that Obama's relationship with the LGBT community has, at best, been a conflicted one. For one thing, he doesn't support same-sex marriage. And while I admit his stance bothers me, nothing pissed me off more than when he invited Rev. Rick Warren, who opposes same-sex unions, to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. It still makes the hairs on my arms stand on end just to think about it! Many gay rights supporters have accused Obama of dragging his feet. Why? Well...he's put forth a package of domestic partnership benefits for federal workers, but faced criticism that the effort did not include health benefits. He has said he would push to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages in other states, but it remains on the books.
But we can't ignore the divide within the LGBT community--the generational gap. The older generation of activists are the giants who have been through the trenches of the gay rights movement since Stonewall, who had to walk through blood, sweat, and tears and the spit of those who hated them. They bear the scars of that tumultuous journey, and for their sacrifice, I salute them. But then, there's the younger generation who is, among other things, impatient. Part of this, of course, is that young people are impatient. Also, they have no clue what it's like to be persecuted for being "different." So what do we do about this dilemma?
Social change movements always need groups....both voices...to get the work done. While we need the older generation to provide the experience, we also need the younger generation for it's energy and vigor. The younger generaton does not exude timidity and they don't embrace the claims about Obama "having a lot on his plate" or "wanting to focus all his political energy on health care." When you really think about it, it's not as if the president can't find the time to squeeze LGBT issues onto his to-do list. It's not like the political right will, all of a sudden, become enraged and critical of him. They already are enraged and critical. Therefore, these bullshit excuses are exactly that--bullshit!
While I am totally grateful for the great strides the older generation has made in terms of gay rights, now is the time for a different playbook. After all, the civil rights movement did not move forward because MLK played it "safe" and worked within the realities of prejudice. It worked because he challenged them. The women's suffrage movement did not move forward because women like Alice Paul played it "safe" and worked within the parameters of "reasonable compromise." It worked because they challenged them. Both MLK and Alice Paul were labeled as "radical." I say, "Thank goodness."
I am reminded of the trip Dora and I took to Little Rock, Arkansas in March 2009. I was studying the civil rights movement in grad school and wanted to travel to Little Rock to visit the Clinton Presidential Library, as well as the historical Little Rock Central High School, where desegregation made the news during the 1950s. We toured the Visitors' Center, which is located across the high school. For the most part, the Center was informative and compelling. The exhibits told the story of the Little Rock Nine and the violent protests of those who did not want desegregation. Towards the end of the tour, the Center included other social movements--the women's movement, the Chicano movement, and the Americans With Disabilities movement. They completely left out the gay rights movement and I was appalled, not to mention saddened and heartbroken. On the way home, I thought about it and literally had to keep myself from crying. When is this country going to get their head out of the sand and get with the program? Gay rights ARE civil rights! And if you believe that gay rights such as same-sex marriage goes against your religious beliefs, then that is your perogative. But this country was founded upon the idea of a seperation of church and state. Religion has no place in government and its legislative processes, and with good reason.
So what's the bottom line? Gay rights must be framed as an ethical, moral issue if it is to succeed politically. No more wheeling and dealing. It's an issue of liberty, equality, and fairness. Aren't these things American values we brag about to other non-democratic countries? It's about time this country live up to these ideals. And though I support Obama on most issues, I think it would behoove him to take the LGBT community more seriously. After all, we have a political voice, too.

BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday to my friend from Pampa, Texas...Tonya Barton. Happy birthday to my good friend, mentor, and former professor...Dr. Glenda Lindsey-Hicks of Midland College. Only great things are wished for you on this day and everyday!!!!!

Columbus Day? Bah Hum Bug!

Oh brother...tomorrow is what this country designates as Columbus Day. Really...should we? Must we? I demand a recount! The holiday does nothing more than advance a national ideology of celebrating invasion, conquest, and colonialism. It's the celebration of the colonization of the Americas. I can envision it now. Columbus is getting off the ship. He's walking. He's "exploring." He sees a native. He, then, proceeds to inform them, "This is not your country anymore. This is our country now...like it or not. It's our way or the highway." So, then, the celebration of Columbus, who was an AFRICAN SLAVE TRADER prior to coming to the Americas, began the colonization of the Americas, which essentially led to the rape and plunder of the land and the genocide of Native Americans.

First of all, the idea that he "discovered" America is absurd, yet this is what I was taught in grade school. How does one "discover" a land already populated by millions of people?! Columbus never set foot in North America, nor was he aware of its existence! He landed in the Caribbean, and his explorations were limited to Caribbean islands.

"But it's just a holiday...what's the big deal?" you ask. Hmm, ask any Native American or African American about it. The holiday celebrates the founding of what was to become a brutally expansionist, slave-trading, genocidal society by someone who himself was directly involved in such atrocities.

Could it be that Columbus was merely carrying out policies and practices considered socially acceptable for his time? Hmm...Spain was not a slave-trading country until Columbus. Desperate to prove the value of his voyage, Columbus hauled away Native Americans to be sold as slaves. Columbus initiated the practice of chopping off the hands of adults who failed to provide a certain amoount of gold each month. And, he was also responsible for setting up slave operations where he literally worked entire tribes of people to death.

So what do I think of Columbus and his day? I think it's a insult to Native Americans, African Americans, and any non-European Americans and a sickening tribute to a character totally undeserving of such heroic celebration. And the celebration sends the wrong message to schoolchildren about what is heroic. Columbus was not a hero; he was a slave-trading "Indian" killer!

A Moment of Thanks....and the Peace Prize

It's time to send out some "kudos" to.......
1. The House--Hhheeeeyyyyyy! The House voted Thursday to make it a federal crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation. Matthew Shepard would be happy. RIP Matthew.
2. SAG (Screen Actors Guild)--The Screen Actors Guild has officially endorsed the National Equality March taking place Sunday, October 11, in Washington, D.C. SAG announced in a press release that members of the guild, SAG's National LGBT Actors Committee, and SAG staff will join with grassroots activists from across the country in the nation's capital to demonstrate support for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act as well as repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. SAG members who have individually endorsed the march include Annette Bening, Neve Campbell, Gavin Creel, Wilson Cruz, Alan Cumming, Dana Delany, Joely Fisher, James Franco, Mariska Hargitay, Helen Hunt, Chad Lowe, Camryn Manheim, Ewan McGregor, Sir Ian McKellen, Julianne Moore, Kathy Najimy, Peter Paige, David Hyde Pierce, Anthony Rapp, Meg Ryan, Hilary Swank, Jennifer Tilly, and Marisa Tomei.
And finally...I saved the best for last.....
3. FAMILY--This past week, I was thoroughly reminded of how fortunate Dora and I are to have our family....Eva Dominguez, Rain Garcia, Josie and Jabier Hernandez, Amy Veliz, Betty Gamboa, as well as the rest of the family members AND our friends in Tomball, Texas, who are like family to us, Cindy Welch and Jana Moore, the women of the hour!!! May all of you get back what you have given a million, billion, jillion, trillion, zillion times over!!!!! And you will! get it back because you have truly invested in your karma. And the karma gods are watching! Once again....THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!!!!!

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Another year, another Nobel Peace Prize winner...congratulations to President Obama. But there has been so much fuss about Obama being awarded the prestigious prize by the committee. Some have stated, "It's too soon." Others have said, "He hasn't accomplished enough." And I can't believe what the right is saying...or should I? Rush Limbaugh called it a "greater embarrassment" than losing the Olympics bid for Chicago. Glenn Beck called it a "participation trophy." (Disclaimer: I don't ever take anything these two clowns say seriously, as I think they are complete idiots!)

What do I think? Well, I think there are two obvious points: (1) this is premature and (2) this is deserved. I don't think Americans are fully aware of how negative this country's reputation had sunk under the Bush-Cheney regime. The world's view of America since Obama's inauguration has made a complete turnaround. Granted, this has yet to bear real fruit, but do we not see the possibilities? Come on people! He's addressed quite a bit of issues--climate change, women's equality (remember the passage of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Act in January?), nuclear proliferation, torture, gays in the military, health care reform, the economy, and foreign relations. Does he have a lot to do still? Abso-fucking-lutely! But come on, the previous administration left the country in tatters.

More than anything, Obama has restored America's prominence in international diplomacy. He has reached out to the Muslim world. Remember the speech addressed to the Muslim world in Cairo, where he stated, "America is not at war with Islam"? (June 4, 2009)

Let's be honest. The right wing has never really liked the prize. Their vision of a peaceful world is essentially a Roman one: the eagle victorious atop crushed 'enemies,' a fearful prospect to allies and rivals alike. Oderint dum metuant = let them hate so long as they fear. Sound too much like the previous administration's arrogant attitude? But this is not really peace, is it? So if anything, Obama deserves the recognition for repudiating the imperial course laid by W and his idiot cronies.

I have also read the argument that the committee would never have given the prize to Ronald Reagan, giving it instead to Gorbachev. Excuse me!!! Hello!!!! Gorbachev did more than Ronnie Reagan!!! "Out-of-touch" Reagan vetoed the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1985, an act that would have significantly helped South Africa! And let's not forget how his administration brokered illegal arms deals for hostages with...guess who...IRAN!!!! (Iran-Contra Affair)

I like what my former professor, Dr. Derek Catsam, wrote in his blog about the prize and why Obama should accept it, regardless of what others have said about not accepting it. He wrote: "Take the prize as a gesture of the peace we want and use it as whatever leverage you can to succeed in bringing about peace or at least a world that resorts to diplomacy first rather than last." Indeed!