Who, what, when and WHOA, Burnett speaks off the record 
By Alexis White, March 16, 2006

Reading
John Burnett 
“Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions: Travels with an NPR Correspondent”
Fri, Mar 16, 6pm
Bellas Artes Auditorium
50 pesos

“Radio is cool,” says John Burnett, who has spent 20 years covering many of the biggest stories of our age for National Public Radio (NPR). “But there’s only so much you can squeeze into a 7-1/2 minute story. Over the years, I have filled my reporter’s notebooks with so much that I couldn’t report. Often it entails the sixth “W,” the one they never teach in J school. Because after the deadlines are met, reporters don’t talk about the who, what, when, where and why. They talk about the whoa—those bizarre encounters, miserable journeys, horrible hotels, great fixers, dangerous highways, gruesome dead people, gruesome live people, and unsung heroes. Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions is my attempt to make sense of it all.”

John Burnett speaks about his book on Friday, March 16. The program, which includes audio clips of his field reports, is presented by CEPET, the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics, (Centro de Periodismo y Ética Pública). Tickets, on a first come-first served basis, will be available at the door. The 50-peso admission fee goes toward CEPET’s freedom of information training programs for Mexican journalists as well as its freedom of the press monitoring and networking activities in the country.

The following is an excerpt from Burnett’s novel, Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions: Travels with an NPR Correspondent [Rodale Press]

“Katrina: The Big One”

Storm refugees, nearly all of them black, are on the move throughout the city. And they are refugees, as in, people fleeing misfortune and seeking refuge. NPR and other news organizations caved to pressure from critics who did not like the word. We substituted “evacuees.” Some listeners thought “refugee” carried a pejorative foreign connotation, something that happens in Sudan or Somalia but never the United States. That’s precisely why I preferred the term. I hoped it would shock people into realizing that an American city had sunk to Third World conditions.

Hawke and I hop out of the truck to interview a ragged string of refugees walking up Howard on the way to the Superdome, trailed by an obese woman in stretch shorts. “I got a bad heart. I ain’t got no business travelin’ like this,” she says.

A woman with matted hair in a Tweety Bird T-shirt says, “We slept all night on the bridge. They say go across the river and the buses will pick us up. Now they’re turnin’ us all around. We need somebody who knows what’s goin’ on !”

I ask more questions, but they want answers. Where to get a meal? Where to find a bus?

“Tell the truth,” a young man in a Bob Marley T-shirt asks in exasperation. “Y’all care about us?”

“Of course we do,” Hawke replies.

“Well, help us,” he says sharply. “They got people layin’ up there on the bridge dyin’…I know y’all want our story, but we need help!”

We don’t know where they should go, either. And we’re worried that if we hand out the little food and water we have in the truck, we’ll cause a scene. Still, he makes a powerful point: We need a story; he needs a rescue.

A couple of weeks later, a listener will email NPR and ask, “What about the demands of suffering humanity? Do you ever feel that journalism is an inadequate response to the tragedies you report on?” Other listeners suggest we should have turned our sat phone over to the cops after they lost communication.

The role of journalist as detached chronicler or part-time rescuer will be discussed intensely after Katrina. Purists argue that journalists should never participate in a story—period. We bear witness to history; we don’t step into it. But it’s not that simple. We don’t leave our humanity at home when we cover a disaster. Anytime I, as a journalist, record 

a person in misery and then walk away, I feel like the photographer who queasily described his role, saying, “We came to take our trophies and left.” There’s something unbecoming about that behavior, particularly if we can offer a small kindness without neglecting our job.

Later in the week, Hawke and I hand out water and snacks to individual refugees we encounter, and the NPR crew gives four desperate Canadian tourists a ride to Baton Rouge. I heard of other journalists using their news boats to rescue people. I believe you do what you can, but you never let go of the story. And on this story, in particular, journalists will perform a service by being on the ground and in the water to show the world and our own government the terrible conditions in New Orleans.

The unrelenting sun turns the morning into a sauna. I crank up the Ford’s A/C and think sadly about the people stuck in the sweltering Superdome or sitting on their rooftops. This is the same heat wave that warmed the gulf and created the monster hurricane. Our world is heating up. There could well be more Katrinas in future summers. But at the moment, they’ve got to fix this one.

In the Rose Garden, President Bush ticks off all the federal aid bound for New Orleans: 400 trucks transporting 5.4 million meals, 13.4 million liters of water, 10,400 tarps, 3.4 million pounds of ice, 144 generators, 135,000 blankets. It probably sounds reassuring to people everywhere but here, where they know the truth. The relief effort—if there is one—has fallen into chaos. No one is in charge. Storm survivors are adrift in the gulf of New 

Orleans. The city needs every thing—food, water, buses, boats, doctors, soldiers, ice, and body bags. And what does Governor Blanco do? She calls for a statewide Day of Prayer. 

I zigzag through fallen limbs along St. Charles Avenue, famed for its Mardi Gras parades and formerly shady oaks. When I spot more refugees wading up the street, I pull onto the streetcar tracks and kill the engine. We climb out and introduce ourselves to Latoya Solomon, a 24-year-old hotel employee who’s walking with 12 members of her family, from a tot happily splashing along the pavement to a grim old woman in an orange life vest. As soon as my first question is out, Solomon starts to rant. “The water’s off, the light’s off, everything’s flooded, everything’s soakin’ wet, we can’t eat, we can’t cook, stores ain’t open. We thirsty. What? What ? I don’t see nobody tryin’ to help us. Everybody just walkin’ around lookin’ lonesome. This ain’t gonna work ,” she says. I wish I could put her on live with the president. 

Reprinted from: Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions: Travels with an NPR Correspondent by John F Burnett © 2006 John F Burnett. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098.

Mujeres en Cambio fundraiser a hit

Benefit lunch For Mujeres en Cambio Thurs, Mar 29, 2pm Hospicio 16 120 pesos 154 6552

The February Mujeres en Cambio major annual fundraiser was a great success. Over 150 guests plus 25 of our students and one of our rug hookers enjoyed a superb meal at the country home of Jaime and Pakina Fernandez near Atotonilco. The event raised well over 50,000 pesos.

We deeply appreciate the boundless generosity of our hosts who not only opened their home to us but also supplied the main course, donated all bar profits, paid for the rental of tables and chairs and provided bar and kitchen staff.

We were delighted that those attending had a chance to meet some of our scholarship recipients, one of whom was seated at each table. One of our members prepared a list of potential discussion topics for the students, undoubtedly helping them overcome their shyness, at least a little.

Christina, one of our students now studying architecture at university, gave an animated and moving speech. She told us that, at one time, the idea of having an education was just a dream; but, with the support of Mujeres en Cambio and hard work, her dream had become a reality. Christina urged her fellow students to dream big and work hard. She also expressed deep appreciation to the supporters of Mujeres en Cambio.

Courtesy of Audrey Kuhn, we were able to raffle a beautiful pieced quilt donated by Linda Thomas of Park City, Utah. The raffle, which raised 1750 pesos, was won by Wendy Gray of Toronto who was on her first visit to San Miguel.

We also want to extend our thanks to Jennifer and Bob Haas for opening the doors to their Mexican folk art museum for an exclusive tour after the lunch. Their collection is simply amazing, and we appreciate their generosity very much.

All in all, it was a great day and, to judge by the compliments we received, the event was enjoyed by all.

We must also mention the superb Asia-inspired meal prepared for us at our regular luncheon in January by Michele Vallon of The Night Kitchen Caterers. Michele’s meals are always a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Our next regular luncheon, at Hacienda de las Flores, Hospicio 16, is on Thursday, March 29 at 2pm. Guest chef will be José Antonio who is providing a chicken dish with a Mexican twist. As usual there will be a selection of delicious salads and mouthwatering desserts prepared or supplied by core members of our group.

Come along and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, share a delicious meal, meet some interesting people and learn more about our programs to assist rural women. Both men and women are welcome!

Attendance at the luncheon is limited to 50 people and is by pre-sold ticket only. Tickets are on sale now at Casa de Papel, Mesones 57A (the China Palace building); RE/MAX Colonial, Portal Guadalupe 12 (diagonally opposite the Parroquia); and Solutions Mail Service (Recreo 11). Get your ticket early as they sell out quickly!

If you would like more information about our organization please visit our web site, www.mujeresencambio.com  or call Roger on 154 6552 (note that no reservations can be taken). We welcome new members—come join us!

Spring equinox concert in the canyon

Concert
El Charco acoustic concert
Tues, Mar 20, 5pm
El Charco de Ingenio
80/50/free

As is customary every year, El Charco celebrates this festival of the Sun, offering music to the flourishing Earth. A special concert performance by SAXODIA, a classical saxophone quartet from the city of Querétaro, takes place at the canyon’s natural amphitheatre—sculpted by millennia of flowing water. Come with friends and enjoy an hour of magnificent music in a spectacular setting. We suggest you come early and bring a cushion. Admission is 80 pesos, 50 pesos for members and children enter free. To avoid line ups, tickets will be sold at the front entrance of the garden a few days before the event.







First annual “Best of Burros” pageant 
By Camilla Sands

Best of Burros pageant Sponsored by Forgotten Child International  Sat, Mar 24, 11am–4:30pm Meet at St Paul’s Church Cardo 6 300/100 pesos

The enthusiastic kids of the charming Jalpa valley are busy fattening up their cute burros, washing them down and brushing them out, hugging them and asking them to be extra sweet and attentive on Saturday, March 24, for the first ever “Best of the Burros” pageant. Everyone in the village of Jalpa, where Forgotten Child International (FCI) has been teaching their RuralEnglish program, is excited. The kids’ mothers are planning what they will serve you for comida that day; and, at the Sensual Chocolatier factory, they are getting ready for your visit.

You and your friends are invited to join the fun and even have your “Best of the Burros” vote counted during the Peoples’ Choice Award. Local veterinarians lead the judging. Proceeds from the day will be used to continue work on the newly built School Center and library and to support the on-going RuralEnglish program.

This is a great way to experience a day in the country. Jalpa is located on the shore of a lake on what was the original “road to Liberty” during the Mexican revolution in the 1800s. It is about a 35-minute journey down into a lovely valley. Learn local lore and history from an expert as you take the private bus chartered for this event. In Jalpa, tour the local elementary school and see the Feed the Hungry kitchen as well as other FCI projects.

Make everyone a winner, including yourself, as the kids might get brave enough to practice their English, proudly show you their world and hope for a chance to win a prize for their burro in the categories of most elegant, stubborn, healthiest, best behaved, prettiest and more.

Support their pageant and show these kids they are not forgotten. On the way back to town the bus will stop at the Sensual Chocolatier’s factory.

The event is sponsored by Forgotten Child International (FCI) whose mission is to help children achieve leadership by creating alternative educational, economic and spiritual paths. Visit their website at http://www.forgottenchild.org. Buses leave at 11:00am from St. Paul’s Church and return by 4:30pm Tickets costing 300 pesos for adults and 100 pesos for children are available at the Jardín, Saturday, March 10 9am–noon. Look for the Jalpa Burro! Tickets also available at Solutions (Recreo 11) until March 23, or until sold out.

Red Sea pedestrians march again

Passover Seders

First Seder
Mon, Apr 2, 5pm
Posada de la Aldea
Ancha de San Antonio 15

Second Seder
Tues, Apr 3, 7pm
Hotel Quinta Loreto
Loreto 15
250 pesos or US$25

The famous walk to freedom between the parted waters of the Red Sea (or more accurately, the Sea of Reeds) is commemorated every year in the Jewish holiday of Passover. The story of the exodus from Egypt is told in the Biblical chapter of that name. Many black spirituals, most famously Let My People Go, also narrate the passage of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. This year, for the first time in San Miguel, two public Seders (Passover services and festival meals) will be held on the first two nights of the holiday, Monday, April 2 and Tuesday, April 3.

Passover is the most beloved of all Jewish festivals. Families gather to tell the story and eat the ritual foods; matzoh, the simple “bread of affliction” baked so quickly in anticipation of the morning’s flight, there was no time for it to raise and karpas, the sprigs of greens symbolizing spring—usually parsley, but sometimes cilantro in Mexico—which are dipped in salt water to remind the diners of the bitter tears of slavery and the sweat they shed in forced labor in Egypt.

A group of Jewish residents of San Miguel have observed Passover communally for more than 20 years. One of the first organizers of the event, Edith Stein, recalls its beginnings when a few people gathered in a local restaurant to celebrate together. She streamlined the program over the years to include some dishes prepared by local Jewish cooks and others left to the restaurant staff. Last year, almost 100 people commemorated Passover together in the Seder organized by this group.

This year, as for many years, the dining room of the Aldea hotel will be the site for the first night, with traditional foods like matzoh balls and charoses (a mixture of fruit and nuts, reminding the participants of the mortar and bricks they carried to build the pyramids) brought in from local residents and visitors’ kitchens. The traditional chicken dinner is prepared by the hotel chef.

Martin Berck, longtime winter visitor to San Miguel, leads the service, aided by local residents and visitors. This liberal Seder service is followed by a complete Passover meal.

Help with preparation is still needed. Volunteers help organize the event, welcome guests and oversee the seating and serving. Call Pat Hirschl at 154-9478 or email mexicanpat@yahoo.com to volunteer. Anyone who knows the songs, whether they consider themselves singers or not, are especially welcome to help make the traditional songs more lively. If you play the guitar or other musical instruments for accompaniment, please consider volunteering.

On Tuesday, April 3, a traditional second-night Seder takes place at the Quinta Loreto Hotel, organized by Shalom San Miguel, a newer Jewish community in San Miguel. Here, too, participants will cook some of the more traditional Jewish delicacies with the rest of the meal being catered by the Quinta Loreto chef.

The first-night Seder takes place at 6pm at the Posada de la Aldea. Those who wish may gather to socialize at 5pm. The cost of the meal will be 250 pesos or US$25 per person. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling Estelle Irwin at 152-1486 or emailing estellewirwin@yahoo.com or calling Pat Hirschl at 154-9478 or emailing her at mexicanpat@yahoo.com.

The second-night Seder will be led by Dan Lessner, who also leads the Shabbat morning services. The cost is the same as for the first night, 250 pesos or US$25 per person. Reservations are a must for the second night as well and can be made by calling Carole Stone at 152-1486 or emailing shalomsanmiguel@yahoo.com.mx  or calling Dan Lessner at 154-9983 or emailing him at drdan@cybermatsa.com.mx.

All are welcome to both Seders, whether local residents, visitors or people from any religious traditions. Reservations for both must be made by March 23.

Clear out you casa to help CASA!

Shop-till-you-drop garage sale
Sat, Apr 14, 9am-3pm
CASA auditorium, Santa Julia 
To donate call 154-6060 (Spanish)
152-2813 (English)

Spring is just around the corner. And once again, CASA hosts its shop-till-you-drop garage sale, the third annual Gran Venta de Primavera on Saturday, April 14. It takes place at the CASA auditorium in its Santa Julia facility, from 9am to 3pm. Returning shoppers will remember the gigantic selection of clothes, baby equipment, furniture, electronic gear, etc. 

Ana Peña, CASA spokeswoman, urges you to do your spring-cleaning immediately and donate your gleanings to this good cause. In addition, volunteers are needed to sort and price during the next two weeks as well as man the tables and booths on the day of the sale. Donations can be dropped off at the CASA office, Santa Julia 15, Col. Santa Julia. Call Ana at CASA (Spanish only) at 154-6060 or Elsbeth (English, Spanish or German) at 152-2813, for free pickups of your donations or to volunteer your help.

All proceeds benefit CASA (Centro for Adolescentes de San Miguel), whose motto is “serving women and families in need since 1981.” The recent San Miguel Walk, highlighted CASA’s campaign to end violence against women. Gran Venta proceeds go to a variety of CASA programs, including anti-violence and its unique peer-to-peer counseling on sex education and gender equality. The newest peer counselor project tackles ecological projects, planting trees around school buildings where the students can help care for them and organizing and funding the planting of community vegetable gardens. When the vegetables are ready to eat, a CASA worker arrives to demonstrate ways to cook and eat the vegetables for better nutrition. 

Almost 100 children from three months to six years, the majority with single working mothers, are served in the CASA preschool and daycare center. These children as well as adults can visit the public library on-site at CASA, where a large collection of books and videos are available. For more information about CASA, see its website, www.sanmiguel-casa.org , where you can also make an online donation or call the CASA office in Santa Julia office at 154-6060.