Tired muscles, tired eyes
Can’t sleep through this Oaxacan night
He’s kept away from dreaming, haunted by thoughts of failing
The family whom he shares a bed
A tiny room even less bread
He cries out to himself silently
I am not a man
I can’t feed my children
This is no life for them
So he’s out of bed with the sunrise
He kisses his wife and kids goodbye
Then heads north to the border
To work, become a provider
But gathered at the country line
Are protesters all holding signs
He can’t read but translates perfectly
I am not a man
I’m just a Mexican
Illegal immigrant
The politicians the pundits the public debate
But one question’s lost in policy
"Is a man not a man if he’s born outside a boundary?"
Stumbling through the desert alone and afraid
He almost dies from the heat
But he thinks of his family and that keeps him going
He won’t stop for death least the laws of a country
Arrested is no threat when you’re already living unfree
So he works the fields from 5 to 9
Plus any job that he can find
Saves up all his money, sends it to his family
Before he falls asleep at night
A thousand miles from his life
He assuredly repeats
I am a human
A father a husband
A global citizen
Not a debatable statistic
I’m not your problem economic
I’m not a threat to patriotic
That’s idiotic
I am a…
Hi,I live in Melbourne, Australia, and I think I first came across Znet courtesy of the linear notes of a Propagandhi album along time ago. Soon after that Michael Albert gave a talk at my university- University of Queensland- where I first encountered in any detail his proposals on Parecon, which opened my eyes to exciting and new possibilities for progressive change. I particularly related to his call to offer people something other than just critiques- the 'What are we for?'Since then I have attempted to become more involved in social change, probably not as successfully or actively as I hoped (and still do), but I continue to try and discuss, engage and grow more confident/assured in political/social activism outside just those close to me. Not only do I agree with the many focuses examined in ZMag and Znet but I also have a passion for animal liberation/rights. Ive been a vegan for 6 years and a vegetarian before that and have appreciated the exeprience of having the personal and the political combine in daily life, having my lifestyle choices and habits be a daily political challenge to those around me. Its allowed me to engage and discuss other radical political views on other topics further just thru an initial question of 'what my lunch is today?'More personally I enjoy punk music, as controversial as some may find that label, its energy and ability to question help provide me with daily motivation. I also enjoy movies, and I like engaging science fiction novels- especially sci-fi's ability to hold a mirror to current society thru the use of future worlds, scenarios or alien customs.I've just started a PhD in Melbourne, where I hope to examine the continuing rise of nationalistic rhetoric in Australian society. Im looking for some part time work as there are a lot of bills and not much money. My old job was as a file clerk at the University of Queensland, shuffling paper as a means to pay the bills. So it was by no means the worse job available but it put into sharp relief the need for social change where work can be engaging and empowering for all.Im more than happy to chat about any ideas or topics, so please feel free to contact me as I look forward to meeting new people and hopefully working together to make the changes we seek in this world.
