La Jornada has gone "undercover" in an investigation of what in Mexico is known as the Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios, or the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Of Brazilian origin and of the theology of prosperity, the UCKG probably ranks around 13 million members world wide, and is absolutely and stunningly filthy rich, and under investigation for fraud and tax evasion in multiple countries.
The article is well worth a read. The manners in which the UCKG is trying to extract a tithe - yes, the tithe, or the 10-percent-of-all-your-income tax, from its congregation is simply stunning in its cynicism. Read for yourself.
What charlatans.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A most worthy PRI senate initiative: Microbrews!
With the goal of promoting artisanal beer, the PRI is launching an initiative in the Senate to reduce the tax burden on micro breweries, arguing that while this type of beer may well be as strong in alcohol as main stream beers, because it uses different ingredients it is likely to as well be healthier. Hence, less taxes on micro beers!
Salud!
Salud!
La Familia Michoacana killed ex governor, PRI politician implicated
The investigation by the state attorney general's office of Colima has determined that the murder of former Governor Silverio Cavazos Ceballos 2005-09 (PRI) was murdered by La Familia Michoacana last Nov. 21 - almost exactly a year ago.
Notably, also implicated was Samuel Rodríguez Moreno, nephew of ex governor Fernando Moreno Peña (1997-2003) and currently a delegate of the national PRI executive committee to the state of Michoacán, as "intellectual co-author" of the ex governor's murder.
Notably, also implicated was Samuel Rodríguez Moreno, nephew of ex governor Fernando Moreno Peña (1997-2003) and currently a delegate of the national PRI executive committee to the state of Michoacán, as "intellectual co-author" of the ex governor's murder.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A very significant development: PRI fissures surface
The carefully groomed yet highly constructed facade of PRI unity ahead of 2012 is cracking, and most importantly, in a highly public manner: Labastida openly attacks the PRI leadership.
Francisco Labastida Ochoa is no minor person in PRI - senator, presidential candidate in 2000, and very close to Manlio Fabio Beltrones, who also at least appears to be seeking the PRI nomination for 2012.
* He argues the party presidency of Humberto Moreira is damaging the unity of the party
* He argues the PRI's alliance with the discredited Elba Esther Gordillo is taking away as many votes as it is adding for the party.
Also, according to the rumor mil, in Mexico City Beatriz Paredes is very unhappy with the decision by Moreira to simply hand over a senate candidacy to Jorge Emilio González of the very un-green Green Party, rather than to reserve it for a PRI legislator.
Many PRI bigshots point out that the PVEM (Green Party) and PANAL (party of Gordillo) are getting far too many safe seats in return for backing the PRI's presidential nominee - which seems a very fair point.
Many PRI bigshots point out that the PVEM (Green Party) and PANAL (party of Gordillo) are getting far too many safe seats in return for backing the PRI's presidential nominee - which seems a very fair point.
For those of us who see the New PRI as nothing but the same old authoritarian old PRI and fear its return, a split in the PRI is highly desirable.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Calderón recognizes electoral defeat
No, not Felipe, but his sister, who put up a charade claiming against all evidence that she was the winner of the Michoacán gubernatorial race, finally conceded.
Many municipal results are down to a handful of votes in differences, so final results still not clear.
Many municipal results are down to a handful of votes in differences, so final results still not clear.
Dignified response from PRD to fake debates
In response to the suggestion from AMLO - a bad joke if that is what it was, or an asinine proposal if it was real, as it seems it was, that the parties behind his candidacy simply present their party presidents as "fake" candidates so that AMLO will get the added allotted media time by the Mexican state for pre-candidacies, PRD president Jesús Zambrano answered, “It should be clear that I am the national president of the PRD" - meaning, unlike the PT president who immediately jumped on the proposal, Zambrano will not stoop to this low, and neither will the PRD. It was a dignified response.
Mexico's New No.2:
As is often noted, given that Mexico does not have a vice president, the equivalent "no. 2" has often been the interior secretary. Following the recent death of José Francisco Blake Mora, it was announced yesterday that new Secretario de Gobernación will be Alejandro Poiré Romero - the fifth of the sexenio.
Notably, Poiré has only served two months or so as head of CISEN, the federal intelligence agency. That should tell you something of what, not unexpected, the priorities are for the new secretary.
On the other hand, he is also a pretty well-respected political scientist, and knows a lot about elections matters and parties. That will come handy as well.
Notably, Poiré has only served two months or so as head of CISEN, the federal intelligence agency. That should tell you something of what, not unexpected, the priorities are for the new secretary.
On the other hand, he is also a pretty well-respected political scientist, and knows a lot about elections matters and parties. That will come handy as well.
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