[ Don White of CISPES - the Committee In Solidarity With The People of El Salvador, wrote the following report concerning the massive student walk-outs that occured in Los Angeles on Monday, March 27, 2006. The students organized the walk-outs to protest the repressive anti-immigrant legislation now before the US Congress. The latest reports indicate that over 40,000 students staged walk-outs in LA on the 27th, with around 100,000 students organizing walk-outs statewide. While Xispas urges all young Chicanos/Latinos to pursue education, we also applaud students for taking a stand for raza and playing a decisive role in the civic life and politics of the nation. ]

LOS ANGELES March 27, 2006 - Peaking at about 5000 students, a demonstration Monday on the south lawn of City Hall in downtown Los Angeles was addressed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as the youth chanted, applauded and waved banners and flags. His appearance from a City Hall door created a surge of students to the steps of the building. Earlier students poured into the City Hall lawn after walking out of scores of local high school and middle schools to protest the immigration legislation now in Congress. As each student contingent enter the area, deafening cheers greeted the newcomers.

Student protesters especially targeted the most draconian immigration proposal in Congress with signs calling for NO ON 4437. There are now four proposals before Congress including the President’s and one, supported by some labor unions, sponsored by Senators Kennedy and McCain. Students who “walked out” of class today probably got a better education than if they had been sitting in class. Speakers who touched off enthusiastic responses included the Mayor, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamonte, State Sen. Richard Alarcon, City Councilperson Eric Garcetti, legendary activist Nativo Lopez and a series of student organizers.

School Board members, including David Tokofsky, monitored the student-police relations and scores of principals and teachers surrounded the area. Sgt. Royce of LAPD told a National Lawyers Guild legal observer at 1:30 p.m. that “there have been no arrests, no detentions and no serious incidents.” Unbelievably the Mayor spoke to the huge throng without a sound system and only later in the day did the LAUSD bring in sound for the rally.

Every major television station, English and Spanish, had crews covering the students including some helicopter coverage. At one point students occupied the Harbor Freeway but were “herded” off the highway by police. While it created a major traffic tie-up, there were no arrests. At approximately 2:30 p.m. about 400 hundredstudents took over Alvarado Street at Beverly and LAPD moved in to escort the march rather than try to forcethem onto sidewalks. They moved toward MacArthur Park. A school official told us at 2:00 p.m. that 1000students were en route to City Hall from East Los Angeles, scheduled to arrive at 4:00 p.m. or so.

School officials began bringing buses to City Hall as early as 2:00 p.m. offering “free rides” back to all campuses. Most students declined and some chanted, “Hell No, We Won’t Go.” As on Saturday, Mexican and U.S. flags dominated but Central American flags were seen throughout the crowd. The heavy turnout of public officials, school principals and school Board members certainly helped create a passive and non-agressive attitude by police.

A sleeping giant has awoken! On Saturday March 26th, 2006, well over 1 million people marched in downtown Los Angeles in support of immigrant rights. Univision and other Spanish-language media reported 2 million people took part in the demonstration - the largest in the history of California. The demonstration was specifically against the Sensenbrenner Bill that has already passed in the House of Representatives - a bill that will criminalize undocumented workers and those who support them. In the build up to the March 26th demonstration, thousands of high school students walked out of classes across LA. There are now plans for an April 8th national meeting in Dallas, Texas, where Latino immigrant rights leaders and organizations will discuss a national work stoppage set for late May under the banner - A Day Without An Immigrant. Check the amazing photos of the mass march taken by Marcus and posted on LA’s Indymedia website. Visit the Immigrant Solidarity Network website for more information, news, and plans for action: www.immigrantsolidarity.org

[This Column of the Americas article by Roberto Rodriguez is titled "A Simple Guide to Anti-Assimilation." The writer can be reached at Xcolumn@aol.com. Copyright 2005, Column of the Americas]

Before the Zapatistas, there was the Mayan Defense League. It’s goal was similar, but they did not resort to the use of arms. They also had a different modus operandi.

They were created for the expressed purpose of defending Indigenous culture. And their services were in constant demand in America’s urban jungles - called upon to help de-toxify a person who had undergone assimilation American style.

Assimilation was gauged by several factors, including loss of culture and language, change of last name, but number one was the eating of white bread.

When a person was observed eating it, that was the final step. There was no recourse but to call in the Mayan Defense League.

The anti-dote: the force-feeding of corn tortillas.

Ha. Ha. Sure, this is a joke… actually, it was part of a 1980s era production of the theater group Latins Anonymous. It was a satirical piece created by four actors because actors of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Central and South American origin could not get jobs in Hollywood or New York unless they played the stereotypical roles of bandits and “loose or hot women.”

It was a different era. It was a time when George Lopez was an upstart comic doing humor in his trademark pompadour hairdo. It was also the time when filmmaker Jesus Trevino had rhetorically asked Hollywood if there were to be no bronze faces in the future? (He hadn’t seen any on Star Trek).

I remembered all this recently because an Indigenous summit at the end of last year called upon Indigenous peoples throughout the continent to rise up in a state of cultural rebellion. (Armed rebellions have usually resulted in the genocide of Indigenous peoples).

On that day, I joined the uprising: I ate a tlaxcalli or rather, several corn tortillas. I also ate some chile, beans, avocado and cactus and some atole and chocolate. To be truthful, that’s what I normally eat and drink most everyday. I don’t eat these foods for cultural reasons; I eat them because I’ve been eating them all my life and because they taste good.

This call for a cultural uprising made me think of an elder at Nahuatl University in Ocotepec, Morelos. There, she addressed a group of Mexican American teachers who had come to learn Nahuatl language and philosophy. She reminded them: ”Many of you have lost your original [indigenous] languages, your culture and your ways, but don’t for one second doubt that you are Indigenous. If you ever do, eat a tortilla.”

It’s also what made me think of the Mayan Defense League.

Even when culture is under all-out attack, there’s still time for humor. In fact, tortillas may not simply be an anti-dote to assimilation, they may also may function as cultural therapy.

… They may force us to become monolinguals, they may try and force us all to wear blue or green-eyed contacts or subject us to watch blondes 24 hours a day on TV (And here I’m just talking about Spanish-language television)… but the one thing they can’t do is force-feed us their bland food…

This is why the cultural revolution will triumph.

The battle in this case, is between Indigenous foods vs. the corporatization of the world’s food supply. And despite the dominance of McDonald’s worldwide, there’s little doubt that Indigenous foods from the Americas will eventually triumph over the red-headed clown - the modern equivalence of cultural imperialism.

It’s not simply because the food is better-tasting but also for reasons of health. Organic Indigenous foods (more than 60 percent of the world’s foods originate in the Americas), are the natural antidote to diabetes, obesity & heart disease. They’re also the natural antidote to greed, globalization… and assimilation.

Yes, this is humor, but the truth is, we indeed are what we eat… and in this sense, what we eat has to be considered as part of that cultural and political insurrection. Incidentally, the basic diet of Mexicans is an Indigenous diet - it is thousands of years old - corn, beans & squash (the Three Sisters), plus chile.

Little wonder that millions of us have been in a state of constant rebellion since 1492, particularly now that aside from toxic pesticides in our foods, a greater potential danger to humans now comes from genetically modified foods.

I wonder if the Mayan Defense League pays visits to super markets? Organic Indigenous foods or else?

Members of Congress are declaring war on undocumented immigrants, most of whom come from Mexico (although they include Central Americans, Dominicans, Chinese, Koreans, East Europeans, Polish, African, Irish, and others). A new bill to be voted on soon, HR 4437, will make undocumented status an “aggravated felony.” And anyone who assists undocumented people can be found guilty of the same felony charge!

Teachers, doctors, police officers, social workers, and others may find themselves behind bars for being “Good Samaritans” and lovers of humanity (including those who do not recognize “illegal” status for anyone).

Fortunately, many people are already taking a stand against this proposed law. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest in the country, recently declared it would not stop helping undocumented immigrants (a significant number of their parishioners) who need their assistance.

In several cities, protests against the law have drawn tens of thousands, including a massive one in Chicago–from 200,000 to 300,000 people demonstrated–where even Mayor Richard Daley declared immigrants, with or without their papers, vital to the economy and social life of the city.

One small Los Angeles area city, Maywood, with 97 percent Mexican population, also refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and has declared the city a safe haven for immigrants.

This is vitally important for the future of this country. Presently, the ills in the economy and in the government (responsible for war, increased poverty, and greater uncertainty) are being pushed aside while poor, working class immigrants are scapegoated.

We cannot let the demagogues and liars take us off the focus on the powerful and wealthy of this country, and their stooges in the government, who are the real source of misery and war in the world.

Immigrants, particularly from Mexico, but including those from all over the world, are what this country now depends on. We should insure their safety, their health, and their economic wellbeing. Not at the expense of American citizen–on the contrary, we need to create an economy and a politics that incorporates everyone.

We must continue to protest HR 4437–and any other similar anti-immigrant legislation that might be coming down the pike. Our humanity, our integrity, our freedom, and our moral life are at stake here.

Two huge demonstrations againt the Iraq war are coming up - here are the details:

East LA March & Rally Against War
Friday, March 17th, 3:00 pm.
For march, assemble at 3 pm on Soto at 6th Street in Boyle Heights. Rally at Plaza Del Sol, 8th & Soto.
www.latinoscontralaguerra.org

Latinos Say US Out Of Iraq! Bring Our Troops Home Now! Ending the US Occupation of Iraq and bring our troops home is a top priority for Latino communities and all the people of the United States. The invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the policy of preemptive war move our country in the wrong direction in foreign and domestic policy. The invasion of Iraq was unnecessary, wrong, and justified by false premises. The occupation of Iraq is not only pouring good money into bad foreign policy funding death and devastation, it is growth obstacle to democracy and peace. More and more people are concluding that the war for oil and strategic military advantage. The opportunity for a truly peaceful world is at risk.

Our troops are at risk and dying with the heaviest burden falling on working class and poor minority young men and women. Hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent on this immoral war while the need grows for funding good education, health care, job training, childcare and other services. Anti Arab hysteria that is promoted by the White House and the Media reinforces racist stereotyping, profiling and discrimination against immigrants and people of color. Our youth are being oriented to a future of militarism not peace.

We join the Congressional Out Of Iraq Caucus, AFL – CIIO, United for Peace & Justice, Mexican American Political Association, and many others Saying US Out of Iraq! Bring the Troops Home Now! A Future of Peace not War! Funds for Good Jobs, Education, and Health Care!

Sponsored by LATINOS AGAINS The WAR www.latinoscontralaguerra.org
Contact: David Cid (323) 369-3864, Carlos Montes (213) 368-8674
Endorsed by American Friends Service Committee,
Chicano Latino Heritage Club ESMS,
Coalition Against Militarism in Schools,
Community Service Organization,
Hermandad Mexicana Latino Americana,
Latino Committee of SEIU Local 660,
Mexican American Political Association,
MECHA de RHS,
MECHA de LA Valley College,
MECHA De Pasadena City College,
and United Farm Workers.

… and in Hollywood

March 18th, Mass March & Rally
Saturday, March 18th, 12 Noon
Gather Hollywood and Vine
March to Hollywood and Highland
For more info call 323-464-1636
More info here, with downloadable flyers in English and Spanish.

Proyecto Guerrero Azteca has initiated a 241 mile march by Latinos against the war in Iraq. The march is now taking place in California, but the event has national if not international repercussions. Fernando Suarez del Solar, Pablo Paredes, Camilo Mejia, Aidan Delgado and their supporters are marching on this 241 mile quest for peace - which began in Tijuana, Mexico on March 12, 2006. The “coalition of the willing” - as the marchers are being called - will end their trek with a large antiwar rally in San Francisco on March 26 2006.

Proyecto Guerrero Azteca wrote the following on their website, explaining their actions; “Latinos represent nearly 15% of the US population and 11% of the US military, with many serving in combat or hazardous duty occupations. In addition, an estimated 20% of the fallen service members in the early months of the invasion were Latino. With the continued growth of the Latino population and its vital importance to the future of this country, it is time the Latino community become an active and vocal part of the 60%+ of US citizens that oppose this War. It is also time to show the Latino community that they have a voice and a right to fight for peace and stability. Fernando Suarez Del Solar is committed to self-sacrifice. At 50 years of age he cares more about ending this war than even his own health. We make this call not only to the Latino population but to all those who agree with our message ‘No more bloodshed in Iraq.’” For the specific route of the march through your community and the contact coordinators, visit: www.guerreroazteca.org

The New Normalcy: Artists Examine the Post 9-11 World, is a group show at Carlotta’s Passion Fine Art in Los Angeles that is now running until March 26th, 2006. Artists are presenting works depicting the realities of the post 9-11 world - endless war, militarism, terrorism, state surveillance and repression. The exhibit offers original and limited edition works of art by Mark Vallen, Robbie Conal, Gregg Stone, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Poli Marichal, Margaret Garcia, Francisco Letelier, Patrick Merrill, Sergio Hernandez, and dozens of others.

Artist’s Reception & Opening Party
On Saturday, February 25th, from 6 to 9 pm, some 300 people packed the gallery - but there are more events to take place during the length of the exhibit.

Iraq War Third Anniversary Special Events
March 18th marks the Third Anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. During the course of the exhibit, Carlotta’s Passion will sponsor numerous events related to the war’s anniversary and to human rights and social justice - including performances and poetry readings. Click here to read a full schedule of events.

The gallery has released a statement that sheds some light on the motivations behind the exhibit: “On October 19th, 2001, former Halliburton CEO and now current sitting Vice President, Dick Cheney, christened a new term. Describing the curtailment of civil rights taken for granted by American citizens as the ‘new normalcy,’ Mr. Cheney was notifying Americans that constant surveillance, arrest without charge, secret trials and military tribunals, were the order of the day. Moreover, according to Cheney, ‘Many of the steps we have now been forced to take will become permanent in American life.’ By naming this exhibition The New Normalcy, Carlotta’s Passion Fine Art and the artists in the exhibit remind Mr. Cheney and other members of the Bush administration that the only things permanent in American life are our cherished freedoms and constitutional rights as United States citizens - that and our promise of liberty and justice for all.”

Carlotta’s Passion Fine Art is located at 2012 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, California (Eagle Rock,) 90041. Contact gallery director, Robert Squires, at: 323-259-1563. Click here for more information, including previews of the art, a full schedule of exhibit related events, and directions to the gallery.