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<p> The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is wary of the recent budget deal signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and is calling on voters to fix the state’s dysfunctional budget process by passing Propositions 24 and 25 on this year’s November ballot.</p>
Commentary
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<p> Since I was a child, I have been accused of being a troublemaker, referring to what some labeled as a big mouth. I could never let things alone. This is a trait that has followed me into adulthood when contradictions drive me to distraction.</p>
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<p> Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to slash an additional $1 billion from social programs like child care and CalWORKS after a record-long budget stalemate of 100 days is another example of the fiscal austerity measures that are turning California into a Third World country.</p>
<p> In a statement explaining his recent line-item vetoes, Schwarzenegger said that he was trying to “build a prudent reserve” or rainy day fund.</p>
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<p> Being Latino and Republican today is almost as difficult as it was during the Prop. 187 era. Maybe the only thing harder is to be gay and a Log Cabin Republican.</p>
<p> I did support Clinton over Bob Dole, a decent man but who was pulled to the right by the extreme element in the GOP. His Vice Presidential candidate Jack Kemp stated that Proposition 187 “compromises the soul of the Republican Party”.</p>
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<p> Last Tuesday, the Senate voted to block discussion of the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision to outlaw the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, as well as one to enact the DREAM Act.</p>
<p> Reid should force those senators voting no to do so time and again until they’re faced with withdrawing funding from the Pentagon or doing the right thing for gays and lesbians and for immigrant students.</p>
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<p> This week an important event in our nation’s capital brought together experts to examine this problem: Although education is the key to our future success as a country and the cornerstone of our democracy, we have allowed our students to fall behind. This has never been truer for Latino students. Educational opportunities for Latino students — who comprise over a fifth of the nation’s school children — are being disproportionately affected by this crisis in America.</p>
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<p> Have we become so cynical as to believe that Arizona elected officials make claims solely for political gain? Are we to believe that politicians promote fear in order to advance their own agenda? Selling down your state by discouraging tourists and visitors is unthinkable, unconscionable and a reckless disregard for the welfare of the state already reeling in economic red ink</p>
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<p> Imagine my surprise Tuesday morning (14 September) when I walked into the lobby of the finest hotel in the civilized world, Las Vegas’ Belaggio Hotel, and heard the sound of trumpets. There stood eight Mexican musicians, seven men and one woman dressed in immaculate white mariachi costumes playing their hearts out.</p>
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<p> There are thirty days or so left to register to vote for the November 2nd national election, about 50 to the election itself. Only those registered by the middle of October can vote and even then, less than 60 percent of registered voters will vote.</p>