Japi's Blog

Body of War - A Powerful Documentary

Ellen Spiro (a friend of my brother Joaquin) and Phil Donahue have produced and directed a powerful documentary called Body of War. 

It is the story of a young man, Tomas Young, who joins the military to fight the evil doers and is wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week.

Here's a synopsis from the film's Web site:

"Body of War is Tomas' coming home story as he evolves into a new person, coming to terms with his disability and finding his own unique and passionate voice against the war. Body of War is a naked and honest portrayal of what it's like inside the body, heart and soul of this extraordinary and heroic young man."

Watch the preview below:

Last Speech by Dr. Markin Luther King Jr

40 years ago today Dr. Martin Luther King was shot in Memphis, TN.  He was a great American who has left a legacy of peaceful resistance against inequality and injustice which is still alive.

His final speech (see excerpt below) sounds prophetic as he mentions that he is not worried because he has been to the mountaintop.  He continues to state that he would prefer to live a long life, but that he's not concerned about that. 

It was a very sad day for the world to lose such an amazing and valiant human being.

Dr. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

My niece, Adriana Perez, sent me this and it's amazingly inspirational.

Dying professor, Dr. Randy Pausch knows he is dying. This video will leave you thinking when it's over. Take 10 minutes of your time to watch it. It would do us all some good.

Barack Obama for President

Anyone who has known me for any period of time probably knows that my views have usually been either conservative or moderate.  I have rarely backed a liberal candidate.  Well, this coming Presidential election is changing that for me.  Barack Obama has impressed me with his candor, calm demeanor, straight-talk and (this may sound silly) how well connected his campaign is on the Web. 

To me, he seems to be the NEW TYPE OF CANDIDATE... not one that is dependent on special interest money (he has more individual donors than any other candidate).  He is giving all of us individuals a voice and I am very happy to support him.

That said, I would not support a Hilary/Barack ticket (any way it's configured).  Fidel Castro recently stated that a Clinton/Obama ticket is invicible.  Senator Clinton (to me) is a very scary candidate.  She seems to be the polar opposite of the current President... swinging the pendulum that far to one side will not be positive for our country.  I'd like to see Barack join up with Al Gore... THAT would be an unbeatable ticket!

If you want to read more about where Obama stands on the important issues, please visit: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Below you can watch a video of Senator Obama in New Orleans and some of the efforts he is driving forward to help that part of the country.