Retomemos Nuestros Espacios

Con la próxima elección presidencial, todo tipo de encuentro social se ha convertido en espacio para promover a algún candidato y/o descalificar a otro. Desde las cenas entre amigos hasta las redes sociales como Facebook y Twitter, constantemente se escucha propaganda y la famosa pregunta “Y por quien vas a votar?” Esa pregunta parece ser la mas ponderosa en esta época; puede unir a personas o llevarlas a un pleito verbal.

Yo creo en la libertad de expresión siempre y cuando no le reste derechos a alguien. Esta jornada electoral tiene su muestrario de golpes bajos y noticias baratas pero creo que los derechos de nadie han sido violados. Los candidatos y sus familias sabían que vendría todo esto, y, en verdad, es el precio por ser una figura publica en nuestro planeta mega-conectado.

Pero a pesar de eso, creo que debemos retomar nuestros espacios y dejar las elecciones a un lado. Ningún video ni foto ni noticia de cualquier periódico hará que alguien cambie de opinión. Las personas que se atreven a publicar su elección para presidente difícilmente cambiaran de opinión porque alguna persona puso fotos de la esposa golpeada, de pedir dinero a empresarios, etc. Ningún pleito cambiara el voto de alguien porque si alguien esta dispuesto a involucrarse en un intercambio de palabras por un candidato, esa persona ya esta segura de su voto y candidato.

Y de las personas que todavía no se deciden, pues me daría mucha lastima saber que su decisión dependió del algún video o comentario o noticia sobre un candidato en Facebook o Twitter. Lo que esas personas deben hacer es investigar sobre las propuestas de cada candidato y así formar su opinión. Las redes sociales no son para hacer campaña, son para socializar y distraerse.

Así les pido atentamente a mis amistades en Facebook que respeten nuestro espacio. Tenemos suficiente publicidad en las calles, televisión y radio. 

New Orleans: A Changed City

In recent years we have been plagued with tsunamis, earthquakes, strong storms, a melting Antarctic, extreme winters and harsh summers. The planet is responding to years of abuse, exploitation and pollution. Here in Mexico City, we've experienced over 400 earthquakes in recent days with no major casualties. As a result of this, many organizations have launched campaigns to raise awareness and promote earth-friendly products and lifestyles in an attempt to do something (or earn money).

New Orleans is a city that, after suffering such a terrible natural and political disaster (i.e. Hurricane Katrina and President Bush's slow response), is slowly trying to recover. Hundreds if not thousands of people never went back and so many investments and businesses were lost. Friends that have gone have told me that the city is not the same, petty crime haunts the streets and the legendary nightlife is gone. I do not know and could not even compare since my only trip was many, many, many years ago.

As I am watching a Rachel Ray's show where she vacations with her husband all over the world, I am surprised at what she has been sharing. Several of New Orleans's businesses have reconstructed without harming the environment. Hotels use earth-friendly paint, light fixtures, energy saving a/c units and sensors, furniture made of recycled material, etc. Several souvenir stores now offer unique gifts made from scrap material (one such store makes lamps using the ever-famous Mardi Gras beads) and restaurants cook with organic produce from local or nearby farms without loosing their authentic cajun taste. The overall idea is to take care of the planet.

A city that was so badly hurt from a natural disaster has slowly but surely recovered and is taking steps to help the planet. New Orleans continues to be at risk for its location but that does not stop its citizens from making a difference.

Which other cities are willing to do the same?

Kony 2012

For many years we have stood frozen in time when others have been tortured, hurt, and killed. Although we try to help, sometimes we think we are too small to help someone who has serious problems. How can I, a teacher and writer from Mexico City, help thousands of people in Africa? What can I do to stand up for all those who suffer at the hands of evil? What difference can my voice make?

Well, a perk of this globalized and mega-connected society is that: being able to help others. We can use our e-voice, whether on blogs, facebook, twitter, youtube, etc., to speak out against atrocities around the world. We can stand up for our friends from Uganda that go to sleep fearing they will be abducted and killed, we can stand up for the women that are forced into sex slavery, we can stand up for the thousands of children that cannot make it to school because of fear.

Please watch this video and spread the word about who Joseph Kony is. This man has enjoyed years of impunity for thousands of murderss. It is time we put our foot down and show him, and everyone else just like him, that humanity will not tolerate any more violence. This cry for help is not a cry for war. I am not in favor of any country sending troops to fight. What I am in favor of is awareness of these atrocities and for governments in developed countries and world organizations to condemn this. I know that the U.S. condemnation of this will not solve anything, but I also think the countries affected by this man must be the ones to fight against him.

Please take 30 minutes of your life to watch this video and share it with as many people as you know! If you do not agree with the campaign after watching the video, you will at least be more knowledgeable of what the situation is.

Vide: Kony 2012