100,000 Tweets for Oscar!
Social Media Campaign on Oscar L�pez Rivera's Birthday January 6, 2015.
La Respuesta Magazine & National Boricua Human Rights Network

On January 6, 2015 La Respuesta magazine and National Boricua Human Rights Network (NBHRN) call on you to act on behalf of the Puerto Rican people's longest-held political prisoner. In honor of the man who has withstood thirty-three years in prison the campaign is called "Birth of a Patriot, Star of a Nation".


 
The worldwide campaign calls for 100,000 messages to the twitter accounts of the President, White House, and Justice Department on January 6, 2015, Oscar's birthday and the Day of the Epiphany/ Three Kings, the holiest day in his Puerto Rico homeland. We also call on participants to share "virtual gifts" in the form of photographs, videos, and writings on their social media pages in honor of Oscar's birthday.


 
Are you a poet? Artist? Photographer? Chef? Athlete? Dancer? Educator? Student? Health worker? Laborer? Mother? Father? Whatever you are or do, wherever you are, write a post, take a photo, record a video - dedicate a "virtual gift" to raising awareness and building support for Oscar L�pez Rivera.


Post one of your poems, share a picture of your art or photography, cook and photograph a meal, run a few miles and write about it, record yourself dancing, take a selfie with a sign. Get creative and let the world know that you demand the release of Puerto Rican patriot Oscar L�pez Rivera!


This January 6, 2015, on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, or any other platform you use, post using the hashtags #FreeOscarLopez and #Gift4Oscar(#RegaloPaOscar for Spanish-language messages). On Twitter, make sure to tag @BarackObama and @TheJusticeDept so that those with the power to release him hear our demands. We encourage you to begin planning your action to make sure we are all heard in unison on January 6.


Oscar, who was born on Three King's Day, has become the Puerto Rican nation's shining star, able to unite a people facing the divisive effects of a more than one-hundred year colonial occupation. Now, more than ever, the Puerto Rican people have come together in a way that presents U.S. President Barack Obama every reason to exercise his power of pardon and release Oscar. To learn more about Oscar and to read his original essays, visit: larespuestamedia.com/category/oscars-corner/


Let's use social media for social change and send the clear message: RELEASE OSCAR NOW, 33 YEARS IS TOO MUCH!


 

For more info: [email protected];  [email protected]

CELEBRATE 3 KINGS DAY WITH A GIFT TO THE DR. PEDRO ALBIZU CAMPOS PUERTO RICAN HIGH SCHOOL STEVE WHITMAN GREENHOUSE

Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School

When you do your Holiday shopping at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7347778 and support us every time you shop.


From Puerto Rican Cultural Center & Programs

Family, Friends, Tradition

Paseo Boricua Parranda

By Juanita Garc�a, PRCC

Humboldt Park residents joyfully paraded down Paseo Boricua for the annual Paseo Boricua Parranda on Saturday, December 20 scratching their g�iros, hitting the claves and shaking tambourines and maracas. Participants gathered at the Teresa Rold�n Apartments, where residents of the senior apartments were enjoying their annual Christmas dinner and celebration organized by Paul Rold�n and Hispanic Housing, and then began the parranda down La Division. This year, unlike others, the parranda did not have professional musicians leading. Instruments were distributed to those who did not bring one and the joyful sounds all came together as the asaltos continued. Although there were fewer participants than in previous years, there was an abundance of children under ten who joined their parents and grandparents; for some it was their first parranda.

 

Participants enjoyed tostones con pollo chon, coquito, arroz con gandules, pan caliente, pitorro, and a hot plate of arroz, lech�n y guineos. A special thanks goes out to the businesses who participated and made this year's parranda an unforgettable one: Papa's Cache, Luquillo Barbershop, La Plena, Vainilla Bean, Jayuya Barbershop, Ay! Mami, Lily's Record Shop, Yauco Liquors, and La Bruquena. A special shout out to Bet� for being the lead singer throughout the parranda.

 

Happy Holidays from the Affordable Care Act Team!

By Geniz Hern�ndez Rosado, PRCC-ACA staff

During these special times, think about your loved ones. What better gift could you give them than the gift of access to healthcare? Keep your family safe and healthy, find an affordable health insurance plan.

 

Our efforts to reach out to uninsured consumers are now stronger than ever! With the most recent additions to our team, 10 new In-Person Counselors through the Mobile Assister Program, we hope to reach even more consumers across Chicago and nearby cities!

 

Act now! You have until February 15, 2015 to enroll through the Marketplace!

 

Follow us on Instagram

Happy 3 Kings Day from Centro Infantil Corretjer Daycare!

Lives in transition

As a youth, Dino Masciopinto faced challenges that many adults can't handle.

The-18-year-old came out to his parents when he was in sixth grade. "My parents are pretty much accepting of it," he says. "My dad says he's OK with it, but he doesn't want to see it, he doesn't want to talk about it, he doesn't want anything to do with it. But he doesn't mind it."

Masciopinto also was his family's chief financial support. "I'm the youngest in the house and I was pretty much the only one that worked, and basically my whole paycheck went to them, and it still wasn't enough." 

The young man worked a lot of jobs and, basically, raised himself, he says. His finances, sexuality and a family crisis put him on a path that would eventually leave him homeless.  "I had to grow up at a really young age," Masciopinto says.

Enter El Rescate, a transitional-housing program in Humboldt Park on Chicago's West Side that serves LGBTQ and HIV-positive Latino youths. It's the only program of its kind in the city, and Masciopinto recently lived there.

For him, and many others, El Rescate became a lifeline.

"They just started [El Rescate] two years ago and it's for LGBTQ because we don't have a safe place because a lot of shelters tend to be churches and it's not accepted," says Masciopinto. 

He says he was kicked out of several drop-in shelters because of his sexuality. "I had a lot of odds against me: I was gay, I'm homeless, I'm young, and I'm Latino, which made it even worse." 

"A homeless youth doesn't start with the same resources," says Anne Holcomb, supportive services supervisor at Unity Parenting & Counseling, who has been working with homeless youth in Chicago since 1994. "They don't just go from a shelter to having their own apartment." 

Many youth move back in with family after college, but homeless youth don't have family to move back in with. "When it comes down to it, you're on your own," Masciopinto says. That is why, Holcomb says, transitional housing is key to ending chronic homelessness. Transitional-living facilities provide stable housing, independent living skills and opportunities to pursue education and employment to break the cycle of homelessness. "There are even more barriers if they are LGBTQ, pregnant and parenting, or have a mental disorder," Holcomb says. Continue reading.

Puerto Rican Cultural Center Safe Passage Program is Hiring!

by Ivan Vega | Safe Passage Supervisor

Looking for part-time work? The Safe Passage Community Watcher position provides a safe passage for students attending Roberto Clemente Community Academy and William Wells Community Academy.  

 

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and ability to pass crimianal background check to work with children.

 

To apply, please submit a resume to Ivan Vega at [email protected] or apply is person at 2546 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 | (773) 394-4935


On Sale Now

November Chicago Magazine "Why Jos� L�pez Stands Between Gentrification and Humboldt Park"

Be sure to pick up the November issue of Chicago Magazine, which features an interview by Puerto Rican Cultural Center ED Jos� E. L�pez conducted by Elly Fishman.


From Our Community Partners

Roberto Clemente Community Academy Recognized at City Council Meeting by Alderman Joe Moreno

Over 250 attend Community Hearing

Hispanic Housing, Alderman Maldonado and Community Defend "Borinqueneers" Housing Initiative

By Mark Kruse, Hispanic Housing

On Wednesday December 17th, Alderman Roberto Maldonado convened a public hearing for the planned 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers Veterans Housing development. The meeting was held at the Humboldt Park Field house to consider the rezoning change to allow the 49-unit development on land owned by Norwegian American Hospital. The $14.9 million affordable housing community is being developed by Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC), a 38 year old community development corporation serving Latino neighborhoods in Chicago, in Illinois and in neighboring states. The land will be leased to HHDC for 99 years at a nominal rate.

 

Hipolito (Paul) Rold�n, the president of Hispanic Housing, began the meeting at 5:30 with a brief description of Hispanic Housing's history, particularly with the Norwegian American Hospital area and the greater Humboldt Park and outlined the hospital's commitment to provide social services to the residents of this new building. Mr. Rold�n outlined that the development will be named for the 65th Infantry, a fighting regiment that was established during the Spanish American War, and has fought in every war since, that was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

 

Evelyn Guerrero, project manager for Hispanic Housing, described the project in detail including the building's purpose to house and support veterans and their families who have served our country. Those veterans may be single, single-parents or two-parent families and the building will be a mix on one, two and three bedroom units with rents of $774 for a 1BR, $929 for s 2BR and $1,072 for a 3BR. Units will be affordable to those earning 60% of area median income or less. Ms. Guerrero outlined the supportive services to be provided by the Norwegian American Hospital in conjunction with the Jessie Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).

 

To address the amendment 1996 planned zoning district #599 Ms. Sylvia Michas, of the law firm of Chico and Nunes, outlined the rezoning of the 1045 N. Sacramento site as a small part of the overall Institutional PD district #599 (which will remain unchanged) to allow the proposed residential use.

 

The architect for the project, Pappageorge Haymes Partners, was represented by Ken DeMuth, who described the one acre development site with a slide show presentation. The building height was of particular interest, as the building will be a "transitional" height; less than the hospital's 60 feet (and 75 foot addition) but more than the 40 foot apartment building in the area.

 

Approximately 200 people attended the meeting, with representatives from local veterans' organizations and other community-based organizations, which ended with a sometimes spirited question and answer session. Cook County Commissioner Jesus Garcia stopped by to express his support for the veteran's housing development for our community. Alderman Maldonado closed the meeting and expressed his support of the zoning amendment and invited those for or against the project to attend the next day's Plan Commission at City Council.

 





Campaign to Free Oscar L�pez Rivera

WRITE TO OSCAR LOPEZ, #87651-024

FCI Terre Haute,  PO Box 33

Terre Haute, IN,  47808 

The Cuban Five have returned!

"No vamos a dejar nuestra lucha por la liberacion de nuestro hermano Oscar. Todo el tiempo convencidas que su libertad estaba mas cerca que la de nuestros 5 Heroes pero confiamos con fe absoluta que muy pronto sera excarcelado y el Heroe Oscar Lopez Rivera pueda disfrutar las Navidades junto a sus seres queridos en la Patria que lo espera con ansias."

 

Las hermanas Gisela y Gilda L�pez, baluartes de lucha por defender a Cuba

Chicago and Detroit Network Representatives Join Celebration of Cuban 5 Return
By Raquelle Seda, Detroit NBHRN

Over 100 people crowded into the Venezuelan Consulate in Chicago last Tuesday evening, December 23, for an impromptu celebration of the announcement by the US and Cuban governments to begin the process of normalization, and the release of the Cuban Five. 

 

The spontaneous program began with Felix Masud, DePaul Prof and long-time Cuba activist speaking of the moment the announcement was made in Cuba, as he was attending a conference there, "No one had a clue until the moment the conference was halted and they were all asked to attend the address by Raul Castro. Gisela Lopez, along with her sister, Gilda, spoke in moving terms of what the announcement meant to them, as they had struggled for so long to lift the blockade and for the return of the 5. Stan Smith, of the Chicago Cuba Coalition, spoke about what the announcement mean to him and other activists and Jesus Rodriguez Espinosa, Venezuelan Consul and host, closed the event by congratulating all there, as well as asking for solidarity, given the repressive legislation that had just been assed against Venezuela.

 

Gisela L�pez asked for a moment, a the end of the program, and underscored the moment of celebration by urging everyone to help bring Oscar L�pez Rivera home. The audience responded with chants and a thunderous applause to close the evening. Ricardo Jimenez, former Puerto Rican political prisoner, shown below with Gisela and Gilda,  presented them with a gift of a silkscreen poster of Oscar L�pez Rivera by the artist Doug Winkler, on behalf of the NBHRN.



Raise higher the flag for Oscar's release

President Barack Obama's historical feat underway, of melting the ties of incomprehension and abolishing the erroneous policies of isolating Cuba, in terms of the Caribbean and Latin America, the U.S. head of state still has one detail left on his list regarding human rights: the release of political prisoner Oscar L�pez. 

 

Looking at our history, it is sad that the president of the United States has not taken advantage of a day like today - Monday, December 22 - , the solemn celebration of the 119th anniversary of the first raising of the Puerto Rican flag. To end the shame that this constitutes, for a nation like the U.S., rising from the clamor for individual and collective freedom, justice and respect for human rights, should already have ordered L�pez Rivera's release. But this current refusal, this delay, shouldn't discourage those who, absolutely regardless of ideological considerations, have been advocating for his release.

 

 

That communion of purpose has united, with sincerity, the governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro 

Garc�a Padilla; the resident commissioner and president of the main opposition party, Pedro Pierluisi; ex-senator and president of the Puerto Rican Independence Party, Rub�n Berr�os Mart�nez; other political and religious leaders, leaders of civil society, including U.S. and international dignitaries like president Bill Clinton. Clinton, in fact, categorized the 70 year sentence imposed on the Puerto Rican political prisoner as something "out of proportion with the crimes" for which he was tried and sentenced, crimes for which he was not linked to bloodshed or any physical harm to anyone.

 

That fact, among many others, should be taken into account - if it hasn't been already - by president Barack Obama and his Attorney General in the exercise of his office, which includes making the de rigeur recommendation to the president. Some of those facts include the irrefutable fact that L�pez Rivera was never specifically connected in the indictment that led to his 1981 trial to the bombing of Fraunces Tavern in 1975. Another, that the only time there has been convincing evidence that Oscar L�pez Rivera had a weapon in his hands was during his participation in Vietnam as a soldier in the Army of the nation that then granted a Bronze Star for that service and now holds him among political prisoners with the longest sentence in the history of the United States and the world.

 

But, above all, the human pain flowing from persecution and discrimination on the basis of race, political beliefs or religion must be clear to president Obama, from his own experience.

 

The ceremony to take place at the Ateneo Puertorrique�o, raising the Puerto Rican flag, coincides with president Obama's announcement last Wednesday about the agreements with the Cuban government for the release, now accomplished, of 53 people that the United States identified as political prisoners. In the middle of this process Oscar L�pez Rivera from San Sebasti�n should have appeared on the list of those released. 

 

It would be a decision that would make the president grow even more. But more than that, it would constitute the reaffirmation of a U.S. policy of respecting human rights and of profound compliance with the diversity of thought and political preference. 

 

President Obama should internalize, as the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes, that "the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world," and that "disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind."

 

He should not, then, further insult the conscience of the people of the United States and all of Humankind keeping for one day longer in unjust, anti-democratic and vengeful custody "a free man" like Oscar.


ARTIST DOUG MINKLER PRODUCES NEW SILKSCREEN WORK ON OSCAR TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CAMPAIGN

A San Francisco Bay Area printmaker, Doug specializes in fund raising, outreach and educational posters. Past collaborations include work with ILWU, Rain Forest Action Network, SF Mime Troupe, ACLU, The Lawyers Guild, CISPES, United Auto Workers, Africa Information Network, Ecumenical Peace Union, ADAPT, Cop Watch, Street Sheet, and Veteran's for Peace. In the late 1980's Doug designed the poster for the Campaign to Shut Down the Lexington Women's Control Unit, led by the Network's predecessor, the National Committee to Free Puerto Rican Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War.

 

The above poster, printed in a limited edition of 75 by the artist, is silkscreened, in Spanish, measures 18x24, and is available for $125.00 plus shipping and handling.


 
Buy Your Holiday Gift Now and Support the Campaign to Free Oscar!


 
Email Alejandro Molina at [email protected] or Diana Castillo at [email protected] to reserve your copy

AGP abogar� por la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez
Por Cindy Burgos, Metro
El mandatario se mostr� positivo con la apertura diplom�tica entre EE. UU. y Cuba y asegur�, adem�s, que Puerto Rico debe hacer lo posible para eliminar el bloqueo econ�mico.


El gobernador Alejandro Garc�a Padilla afirm� ayer en una entrevista con Metro que continuar� abogando por la excarcelaci�n del preso pol�tico puertorrique�o Oscar L�pez Rivera luego de que Estados Unidos y Cuba determinaran restablecer relaciones diplom�ticas mediante, entre otras cosas, la liberaci�n e intercambio de presos pol�ticos de ambas naciones.

"Vamos a continuar con los esfuerzos y obviamente vamos a seguir tomando las medidas que tengamos que tomar a nuestro alcance para mover al presidente (de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama) a la clemencia ejecutiva", manifest� el primer ejecutivo, que considera que la apertura diplom�tica entre Estados Unidos y Cuba representar�n nuevos retos y oportunidades para Puerto Rico.

Aunque asegur� que Cuba "va a representar otro competidor en el Caribe", Garc�a Padilla se mostr� positivo en que es necesario no solamente el restablecimiento de las relaciones diplom�ticas, sino la eliminaci�n del bloqueo econ�mico que mantiene Estados Unidos a la vecina isla caribe�a.

"(Que Cuba sea otro competidor) no se puede ver como algo negativo porque la riqueza de Puerto Rico no puede ser a costa de la pobreza de Cuba. Y he encontrado personas que argumentan en cuanto a esto como una tragedia cuando en realidad lo que resulta una tragedia es que se planteen nuestras posibilidades de desarrollo a costa de la pobreza de otros, y eso, adem�s de incorrecto, es inmoral", expres� el mandatario. Sign up today.

Calle 13 hace llamado a otros artistas para que apoyen la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez

El vocalista de la banda Calle 13 utiliz� la red social twitter para hacer un llamado a otros artistas a unirse a la causa para la liberaci�n del preso pol�tico Oscar L�pez.

El nacimiento de un patriota, la estrella de una naci�n: Campa�a de medios sociales en el cumplea�os de Oscar L�pez Rivera

Revista La Respuesta & Red Nacional Boricua Pro Derechos Humanos

El 6 de enero de 2015 la revista La Respuesta y Red Nacional Boricua Pro Derechos Humanos (NBHRN) hacen un llamado a la acci�n pro la liberaci�n del prisionero puertorrique�o que m�s tiempo lleva encarcelado. Esta campa�a en honor al hombre que ha resistido treinta y tres a�os de prisi�n se llama "Nacimiento de un patriota, la estrella de una naci�n".

 

La campa�a mundial espera conseguir 100,000 mensajes a las cuentas de Twitter del presidente y del Departamento de Justicia el 6 de enero de 2015, el d�a de cumplea�os de Oscar y el D�a de los Reyes Magos, el d�a m�s sagrado en su tierra natal Puerto Rico. Tambi�n pedimos a los participantes a que compartan "regalos virtuales" en forma de fotograf�as, videos y trabajos escritos en sus p�ginas de medios sociales en honor al cumplea�os de Oscar.

 

�Es usted poeta? �Artista? �Fot�grafo? �Chef? �Atleta? �Bailar�n? �Educador? �Estudiante? �Trabajador de la salud? �Obrero? �Madre? �Padre? Lo que usted sea o lo que haga, est� donde est�, escriba algo y publ�quelo en las redes sociales, tome una foto, grabe un video --dedique un "regalo virtual" para crear conciencia y apoyar la campa�a en pro de la liberaci�n de Oscar L�pez Rivera.

 

Publique uno de sus poemas, comparta una foto de su trabajo de arte o una fotograf�a, cocine y tome una foto de la comida, corra unos cuantos kil�metros y escriba sobre su experiencia, gr�bese bailando, t�mese una selfie con un cartel ... Sea creativo y deje que el mundo sepa que usted exige la liberaci�n del patriota puertorrique�o Oscar L�pez Rivera!

 

Este 6 de enero de 2015, en Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram o en cualquier otra plataforma que utilice, haga publicaciones utilizando los hashtags #FreeOscarLopez y #Gift4Oscar (#RegaloPaOscar para los mensajes en espa�ol). En Twitter, aseg�rese de etiquetar @BarackObama y @TheJusticeDept para que aquellos con el poder de liberarlo oigan nuestras demandas. Les exhortamos a que comiencen a planificar para asegurarse de que todos seamos escuchados al un�sono el 6 de enero.

 

Oscar, nacido el D�a de los Reyes, se ha convertido en la brillante estrella de la naci�n puertorrique�a, capaz de unir a las personas que enfrentan los efectos divisores de una ocupaci�n colonial de m�s de cien a�os. Ahora, m�s que nunca, el pueblo puertorrique�o se ha unido para presentarle al presidente de Estados Unidos Barack Obama motivos para ejercer su facultad de indulto y para que libere a Oscar. Para obtener m�s informaci�n sobre Oscar y para leer sus ensayos originales, visite: larespuestamedia.com/category/oscars-corner/

 

Utilicemos las redes sociales para lograr un cambio y enviar un mensaje claro: �LIBERE A OSCAR AHORA, 33 A�OS ES DEMASIADO!

 

Para m�s informaci�n, escriba a: [email protected][email protected]

 

Hermano de Oscar L�pez extra�a las navidades en San Sebasti�n
Por Daniel Rivera Vargas/El Nuevo D�a

Ha pasado m�s de medio siglo, pero Jos� L�pez Rivera, de 65 a�os y l�der de un centro cultural de Chicago, todav�a atesora en sus recuerdos aquellas navidades en familia en San Sebasti�n, en compa��a de su hermano, el hoy preso pol�tico Oscar L�pez Rivera.

"Yo siempre lo vi como mi hermano mayor, pero en mi casa verdaderamente �ramos gente bien humilde, como campesinos de San Sebasti�n del Pepino, del barrio Aibonito Guerrero. Y yo recuerdo en mi infancia que no hab�a dinero para regalos, pero en casa hab�a ambiente de regocijo, de mucho amor. Mi mam� preparaba unos platos extraordinarios. Entre esos yo siempre recuerdo que uno de los platos favoritos de Oscar era la mazamorra, un plato muy t�pico en el oeste de Puerto Rico que era como un bud�n de ma�z", record� L�pez Rivera a preguntas de este medio.

Su hermano, de 71 a�os de edad, lleva 33 a�os preso, condenado por el cargo de conspiraci�n sediciosa. El reclamo por su excarcelaci�n, a trav�s de un indulto del presidente Barack Obama, ha unido a m�ltiples sectores de la sociedad, incluyendo los presidentes de todos los partidos pol�ticos inscritos.

El hermano del prisionero pol�tico se encuentra de visita en Puerto Rico desde Chicago, donde reside, y particip� hoy de diversas actividades en apoyo a la excarcelaci�n de L�pez Rivera, como lo fue el anuncio en el Taller de Fotoperiodismo de la manifestaci�n de este domingo de "Las treinta y tres por Oscar" en el puente Dos Hermanos y la dedicatoria al prisionero pol�tico del 119 aniversario de la bandera de Puerto Rico en el Ateneo Puertorrique�o.

Al continuar su relato, que evoca el Puerto Rico de otra �poca, L�pez Rivera dijo recordar que Oscar -uno de seis hermanos biol�gicos y dos de crianza en el hogar de los L�pez Rivera- hac�a de todo para que su madre, Andrea Rivera, a quien llamaban 'Mita', le preparara su mazamorra.

"Cuando los d�as festivos se acercaban, (Oscar) buscaba de diferentes formas que mi mam� le hiciera la mazamorra. Siempre recuerdo eso de la infancia, porque un d�a �l planific� para que mi mam� le hiciera la mazamorra. Esto fue que nosotros camin�bamos de casa al pozo a recoger agua. Entonces, mi mam� ten�a que pasar por ese camino y �l cogi� unas matas, me imagino de las hojas de ma�z, se lo puso en la cara y la piel, y cuando ella pasa, lo ve desmayado, y la vieja m�a lo agarra y le dice 'que te pasa mi'jo'. �l sab�a que cuando estaba enfermo la vieja m�a le hac�a sus platos preferidos", cont� riendo.

Esa infancia en San Sebasti�n fue un periodo feliz, y el ahora prisionero lo disfrutaba, seg�n el relato de su hermano.

"Muy opuesto a mi persona, que yo soy m�s reservado, a Oscar le gusta gozar la vida, le gusta la m�sica, le gusta el baile, no tocaba (instrumento)... En casa siempre hab�a parrandas. �l participaba, le encantaban. Era un muchacho que la gente del barrio lo quer�a mucho. Le gustaba hacer situaciones, le amarraba los zapatos a otros ni�os, maldades", narr�.

Finalmente, L�pez Rivera habl� de una de las aficiones de su hermano: dibujar.

"Siempre esbozaba en l�piz. �l hac�a tarjetitas y eso", dijo el sexagenario. "Siempre eran paisajes. Le encantaban cuesti�n de �rboles, animales, nunca pintado, era el 'sketching'. No ten�amos para pintura, era papel y l�piz, era muy bueno. Le gustaban los detalles de las flores, de todo, en la naturaleza siempre buscaba los detalles", dijo.

Oscar L�pez Rivera env�a felicitaciones a Puerto Rico
Por Limarys Su�rez Torres, El Nuevo Di�a

El preso pol�tico Oscar L�pez Rivera, quien pasara otra navidad tras las rejas, le dese� a todos los puertorrique�os mucha felicidad en estas fiestas navide�as, seg�n indic� hoy su abogada Jan Susler.

La letrada, quien se encuentra en Chicago, habl� hoy con El Nuevo D�a y descart� los rumores que han surgido en las redes sociales sobre el ansiado indulto para L�pez Rivera por parte del presidente de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama.

"Oscar se encuentra preso, en la misma c�rcel que lleva muchos a�os. Ojal� y salga pronto. Para esta �poca siempre surgen rumores y seguir�n pero todav�a no tenemos noticias. Entiendo que la gente tiene muchos deseos que sea liberado, esta �poca ser�a una ocasi�n perfecta, pero la Casa Blanca no es as�", indic� Susler.

La abogada inst� al pa�s a no bajar la guardia en la militancia pro la liberaci�n de L�pez Rivera y a�adi� que ma�ana, d�a de Navidad, lo ir� a visitar a la prisi�n.

"�l le desea al pueblo puertorrique�o muchas felicidades", subray� Susler.

Con Oscar L�pez en mente durante aniversario 119 de bandera boricua
Por Rebecca Banuchi, Primera Hora

Desde su celda en la c�rcel federal de Terre Haute, en el estado Indiana, el prisionero pol�tico Oscar L�pez Rivera rendir�a este lunes honores a la bandera puertorrique�a en su aniversario n�mero 119.

L�pez Rivera era el invitado especial en un acto celebrado este lunes al mediod�a en la sede del Ateneo Puertorrique�o, en Puerta de Tierra, para honrar la monoestrellada, pero la sentencia de c�rcel que cumple hace 33 a�os en Estados Unidos le impidi� estar presente. En su ausencia, cientos de personas que se congregaron alrededor de la entidad cultural izaron la insignia boricua en su nombre.

Clarisa L�pez, hija de L�pez Rivera y quien ha liderado la lucha por su excarcelaci�n, particip� en la actividad, y ley� una carta que el prisionero pol�tico escribi� d�as atr�s para agradecer la invitaci�n, y reafirmar su amor por Puerto Rico y su gente.

"Sepan que mi esp�ritu, mi alma y mi coraz�n estar�n all� con todos ustedes ese d�a. Ese mismo d�a, izar� la misma banderita puertorrique�a que me ha acompa�ado por m�s de tres d�cadas y a la que he jurado lealtad todas las ma�anas al levantarme. En el momento en que ustedes eleven nuestra bandera en el ateneo, yo estar� igualmente elevando la m�a, y deseando que ojal� veamos ese d�a muchas banderas m�s flotando solas", expres� L�pez Rivera por voz de su �nica hija.

"S� que un d�a nuestra patria ser� una naci�n libre, independiente y soberana, y que crearemos el jard�n ed�nico que nuestra tierra puede ser", enunci� al despedirse en el escrito. Siga leyendo.

Oscar L�pez Rivera "camina" por las calles del pa�s gracias a proyecto de arte
Por Teresa Canino Rivera, Primera Hora

La posibilidad de observar a Oscar L�pez Rivera caminar libremente por las calles del pa�s, dej� de ser una imagen desconocida.

Desde hace unos d�as, su fotograf�a, elaborada como pasqu�n por un colectivo de artistas puertorrique�os, adorna una de las paredes de la esquina de las calles San Sebasti�n y San Jos�.

De primera impresi�n, pareciera que la mirada de L�pez Rivera se fija sobre los adoquines de las calles e interact�a con el p�blico que se le acerca, o que por unos instantes el prisionero pol�tico disfruta de una puesta del sol o le sonr�e al p�blico que camina por el lugar. Algunos se le acercan a tomarle una foto, lo observan, le hablan, interact�an con su imagen.

Se trata de un pasqu�n que m�s all� de ser arte p�blico, es un esfuerzo por que el reclamo de su excarcelaci�n no cese, y su libertad se concrete lo m�s pronto posible.

Al menos ese es el reclamo de uno de los gestores del la iniciativa, el fot�grafo Ernesto Robles, para quien la imagen del prisionero pol�tico en todos los rincones del pa�s, representa el sue�o colectivo de su excarcelaci�n.

"Queremos la presencia de Oscar las 24 horas del d�a en diferentes sitios. Hay mucha gente que sabe qui�n es pero no lo reconocen f�sicamente. Queremos que la gente pregunte qui�n es, que lo vean todos los d�as y que lo recuerden", expres�.

Robles coment� a Primerhora.com que la iniciativa llamada "Oscar en la calle" naci� en Cayey durante una reuni�n informal de amigos, con la idea de reproducir la imagen de Oscar por diferentes puntos de la isla.  Al proyecto, se�al�, se uni� tambi�n el Comit� Pro Derechos Humanos de Puerto Rico.

"Consegu� la imagen dentro de una base de datos en Estados Unidos. El proceso tard� casi dos meses y cuando la enviaron, a trav�s de unos contactos que ten�a Clarisa L�pez (hija de Oscar), la trabajamos poco a poco", explic� Robles,  mientras a�adi� que el colectivo utilizar� otras fotograf�as para que hayan diferentes versiones gr�ficas de L�pez Rivera.

Al momento, el colectivo ha logrado pegar cerca de diez pasquines con la imagen de L�pez Rivera en �reas como Santurce, Hato Rey, R�o Piedras, Viejo San Juan y Cayey.  Pr�ximamente, a�adir�n pegadizos en los pueblos de Naranjito y Mayag�ez.

Seg�n Robles, uno de los objetivos de la iniciativa es que a trav�s de sus obras se unan m�s voces a lo largo del proceso creativo. Por esta raz�n, durante los pr�ximos meses, artistas de diversas disciplinas pl�sticas se integrar�n para reproducir diferentes interpretaciones gr�ficas del prisionero.

 

En el Puente: Mujeres por la libertad de Oscar L�pez en la Navidad 
El grupo "Las Treinta y Tres por Oscar Hasta su Regreso" volver� al Puente Dos Hermanos el pr�ximo domingo 28 de diciembre a las 4:00 pm, como lo han estado haciendo durante veinte (20) meses, en solidaridad con el prisionero pol�tico Oscar L�pez Rivera, quien pr�ximo a alcanzar los 72 a�os ha permanecido 33 en c�rceles norteamericanas, muchos de ellos en condiciones violatorias de sus derechos humanos, seg�n recordaron. Expresaron que la Navidad es tambi�n una �poca de buenos deseos, de alegr�a y que ellas mantienen viva la esperanza de que el boricua pise nuevamente suelo puertorrique�o en el nuevo a�o."Para que nuestra esperanza pueda hacerse realidad tenemos que secundarla con activismo y militancia y es por ello que para el pr�ximo domingo invitamos a las compa�eras que formaron parte de los diversos sectores de mujeres que nos han estado apoyando durante todos estos meses. Queremos extender nuestra presencia en el Puente Dos Hermanos con las artistas, abogadas, psic�logas, trabajadoras sociales, religiosas, maestras, m�dicas, artesanas, ni�as, mujeres que trabajan con el gobierno, periodistas, lesbianas, madres de ni�as y ni�os con diversidad funcional, abuelas y todas las mujeres en su m�s amplia diversidad, para que con una sola, potente y en�rgica voz, reiteremos nuestro llamado, que es tambi�n el consenso nacional, para que este hombre, prisionero como consecuencia de su lucha por la libertad patria, pueda unirse a su hija, a su nieta, al resto de su familia y que no vuelva a pasar otra Navidad tras las rejas", exhort� Josefina Pantoja Oquendo, una de las portavoces del grupo. Siga leyendo.

Siempre de pie

Por Juan Dalmau Ram�rez/ Secretario general del PIP

La estabilizaci�n de las relaciones exteriores entre Estados Unidos y Cuba constituye un triunfo pol�tico y moral extraordinario de la revoluci�n cubana. Pocas naciones han enfrentado el embate de un imperio que todo lo puede. A ra�z de la revoluci�n independentista en Puerto Rico de 1950 el bi�grafo del ap�stol de la independencia de Cuba, Jos� Mart� -Jorge Ma�ach- escribi� sobre don Pedro Albizu Campos: "�Es terrible echar una pelea con las fuerzas que todo lo pueden: la c�rcel, la muerte, la torsi�n de la fama!".

El heroico pueblo cubano lo ha enfrentado todo: actos terroristas, intentos de invasi�n, atentados de asesinar a su presidente Fidel Castro, aislamiento y bloqueo. Luego de la ca�da del bloque sovi�tico, el periodo especial y, la mayor amenaza, el abandono. Lo enfrentaron todo. Pero, al igual que el independentismo puertorrique�o, batallaron con dignidad y honor.

 

Como dijo Fidel: "Jam�s un pueblo tuvo cosas tan sagradas que defender, ni convicciones tan profundas por las cuales luchar, de tal modo que prefiere desaparecer de la faz de la tierra antes que renunciar a la obra noble y generosa por la cual muchas generaciones de cubanos han pagado el elevado costo de muchas vidas de sus mejores hijos. Nos acompa�a la convicci�n m�s profunda de que las ideas pueden m�s que las armas por sofisticadas y poderosas que estas sean". Principios anclados desde las luchas de independencia de siglo XIX.

 

Hoy se abre un nuevo cap�tulo en la pol�tica exterior de Estados Unidos, no s�lo con respecto a Cuba, sino a la Am�rica Latina y el Caribe. Atr�s queda la pol�tica trasnochada de la Guerra Fr�a y se abren nuevas perspectivas de progreso y desarrollo en la regi�n.

 

Puerto Rico, que fue ficha clave en el tablero de la lucha entre sovi�ticos y estadounidenses, y en ese contexto, basti�n geopol�tico militar, hoy vislumbra un nuevo horizonte. Como dijo un analista anexionista: "Nunca estuvo m�s lejos la estadidad (anexi�n), ni m�s cerca la independencia de Puerto Rico".

 

Enfrentamos un nuevo escenario. La colonia fue derrotada por la mayor�a de los puertorrique�os en el plebiscito m�s reciente. La Am�rica Latina despierta y a trav�s de la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribe�os afirma una identidad propia frente a Estados Unidos. Expresa que Puerto Rico es una naci�n latinoamericana, declara la regi�n libre de colonialismo e instruye a sus pa�ses miembros impulsar el tema de la descolonizaci�n de Puerto Rico en la ONU. Por otra parte, Estados Unidos anuncia un reexamen de sus relaciones con el hemisferio a base de su pol�tica exterior con respecto a Cuba. Estamos ante una oportunidad hist�rica para enfrentar el r�gimen antidemocr�tico colonial.

 

Tambi�n hay que aprender de la Historia. No faltar�n los fariseos. Los hip�critas que le hicieron el juego a la pol�tica estadounidense contra Cuba y la izquierda en la Am�rica Latina. Los que fomentaron que Puerto Rico fuera trampol�n militar para las intervenciones contra hermanos nicarag�enses, cubanos, dominicanos, chilenos y paname�os, entre otros. Los mismos que en Puerto Rico promovieron, con la excusa anticubana, la persecuci�n antiindependentista, el asesinato y la encarcelaci�n de los patriotas puertorrique�os. Ante los vientos de cambio, ahora pretenden lavarse la cara. A esos decimos, en la tradici�n cristiana: "No te condeno. Vete; desde ahora no peques m�s".

 

Hoy, celebramos con el pueblo cubano. Firmes en los principios que unieron a Betances y Mart�, a nuestras banderas y nuestros pueblos. Y hoy, despejado el horizonte y camino a la victoria, con m�s firmeza reafirmamos esos principios. Siempre de pie ante el desaf�o. Originalmente publicado en el Nuevo Dia.


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