Chicago

Next to the Democratic Primary, the most exciting and important race of Super Tuesday is the IL-3 Democratic Primary. Our readers in Chicago and Cook County have a very real choice in this Congressional primary. This race pits an anti-choice, pro-Bush incumbent, Dan Lipinski, against a grassroots progressive challenger, Mark Pera.

Dan Lipinski has been a consistent opponent of a woman's right to choose, a consistent opponent of life-saving stem cell research, and a consistent supporter of Bush's Iraq quagmire. He votes more in line with Bush's agenda than practically any Democrat in the House. In fact, he has voted with Bush 50% of the time!

By contrast, Mark Pera is a true Democrat. He has been endorsed by the National Organization of Women, the Jewish Political Alliance of Illinois, United Muslims and Arabs for a Better America, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Citizens Action/Illinois, Democracy for America (DFA), Mexicanos for Political Progress, Planned Parenthood, United Citizens for a Better America, and Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century as well as a whole slew of local politicians. For Americans who want change, THIS race is critical.

Here is Mark Pera speaking about special interests:

New America Media, Commentary, Andres T. Tapia, Posted: Aug 16, 2007

Editor's Note: The earthquake that devastated Lima, Peru, was felt in the hearts of Peruvians living in America who fear for family, friends and familiar places. NAM contributor Andrés Tapia grew up in Lima, Peru. He writes about cultural, political, and economic trends in the Americas.

CHICAGO -- “There’s been an earthquake…in Lima…7.5 on the Richter scale.” It’s my sister Lis on the answering machine. In a flash, our end of the day relaxation around the dinner table gets pulled out from under us as if one of those pull-the-tablecloth-from-under-the-set-table guys had materialized in our dining den.

Here in Chicago, the plates and glasses remain on the table, but our insides are shaken, while back home family and friends are picking up broken objects that have fallen off walls, counters, tables, shelves, roofs, vanities and ceilings.
Our daughter runs immediately to her cell phone to call newfound friends from her recent stay in Lima. In contrast, I concentrate on finishing a conversation with my wife while I let the news start working its way through my system. In earthquakes, things are so out of control that I need a few minutes to bring an item to resolution. It’s a fig leaf of something I feel I can control before I immerse myself in what I know will be a long night of conflicting news reports on TV and the Internet, marathon redialing on the phone to get through, a seesaw of emotions from fearing the worst to rationalizations that I’m sure everyone’s okay.

Founded in 2004, World Up! is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about international cultures, and issues that affect the global community through Hip Hop and its related musics. Through its ongoing events, educational programming, and annual music festival, World Up actively promotes and fosters diversity, cross-cultural understanding and social change through Hip Hop culture.

World Up! is run by a group of volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures but share a deep love for Hip Hop and how it is used as a tool for social and political change. It has a well established network of artists, DJs, Mc's, film makers, promoters, activists around the globe.

Get Involved! Join the movement!
www.worldup.org
info@worldup.org