 "Open Horizons: Reconsidering the US-Mexico Border" by Ignacio “Nacho” Martinez The US-Mexico border used to be open once a long time ago. Could we benefit from reopening it again? This issue intertwines economic, social, and security considerations. Examining the potential benefits of a more open border reveals opportunities for economic growth, strengthened relations, and enhanced security measures. Economic Ties and Opportunities: Mexico has long been a valuable partner for the United States, contributing to a robust economic exchange. The availability of a cost-effective labor force has driven growth in various sectors, from manufacturing to agriculture. Opening up the border could further amplify these economic ties, providing a boon to the retail sector, tourism, and retirement destinations. Tourism Potential along the Rio Grande: Imagine the Rio Grande river transforming into a major attraction, drawing American tourists seeking affordable accommodations, entertainment, and culinary experiences. By embracing a more open border policy, the region could become a thriving destination for boating, dining, and vacationing, injecting vitality into local economies on both sides of the divide. Local Economic Development: Beyond the natural beauty of the Rio Grande, the cities and towns along the border stretch could experience a significant influx of economic activity and development. This potential surge in commerce and infrastructure could lead to job creation and improved living standards, addressing some of the challenges faced by border communities. Mitigating Undocumented Immigration Strains: Probably the most compelling argument for an open border is the potential to alleviate the strains of undocumented immigration. By creating legal channels for migration, the United States could better manage and regulate the flow of people, fostering a more transparent and orderly immigration process. Enhancing National Security through Friendship: Maintaining a friendly relationship with immediate neighbors, such as Mexico, can serve as a strong buffer against potential terrorist threats and other bad actors, such as drug cartels and human traffickers. Cooperation and collaboration between nations can enhance intelligence-sharing and security measures, ultimately safeguarding the interests of both countries. While the idea of reopening the US-Mexico border brings forth a myriad of possibilities, it is crucial to carefully navigate the complexities involved. Striking a balance between economic benefits, enhanced tourism, local development, and national security is essential for crafting a comprehensive and sustainable border policy that serves the interests of both nations. Immigration is a difficult subject to cover but a discussion and not political speech is much more important to consider the long-term impacts and work towards solutions that foster cooperation and prosperity on both sides of the border. FREE DOWNLOAD! Download “Lost: Children of the River”
for free! Offer ends 12/10/2023 at 11:59 pm. “This compelling work delves into the lives of those affected by the crisis, shedding light on the challenges faced by migrant children and their families as they navigate perilous journeys in search of safety and a better life. “  In a bold move towards raising awareness about the on-going border migrant humanitarian crisis, The Raving Press is offering a free download of this thought-provoking book, “Lost: Children of the River.” This compelling work delves into the lives of those affected by the crisis, shedding light on the challenges faced by migrant children and their families as they navigate perilous journeys in search of safety and a better life. Writers and artists from all across America and the world skillfully captures the raw emotions and untold stories of individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical struggles. Through poignant narratives and vivid imagery, “Lost: Children of the River” humanizes the often dehumanized, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding migration. By making this book available for free, The Raving Press aims to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by the crisis and spark conversations about the urgent need for empathy and global cooperation. The powerful storytelling serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to reflect on their role in fostering a more compassionate world. Download your free copy of “Lost: Children of the River” today, and join the journey towards a greater understanding of the border migrant humanitarian crisis. Together, let’s bridge the gap between hearts and borders. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY.  by Greg Perez Torres In a world marred by conflicts and strife, the voices of those advocating for peace and protesting against war serve as beacons of hope. However, a disturbing trend has emerged where some individuals equate these peace advocates, the war protesters, with the very entities they oppose – the war mongers. Such a comparison not only lacks logical coherence but also carries a moral weight that undermines the essence of peaceful dissent. At its core, war protesting is an expression of dissent against violence, bloodshed, and the devastating consequences that wars unleash upon humanity. It represents a collective outcry for diplomacy, dialogue, and a pursuit of alternatives to resolve disputes without resorting to armed conflicts. In contrast, war mongers actively advocate for military interventions, often fueled by aggressive nationalism, geopolitical interests, or an appetite for power. Equating those who raise their voices against war to war mongers ignores the stark differences in their motives and objectives. War protesters strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and understanding. On the other hand, war mongers pursue aggressive and militaristic policies that often result in widespread suffering and loss. This false equivalence not only distorts the narrative but also risks stifling the crucial discourse needed to foster a more peaceful world. It undermines the legitimacy of peaceful dissent, discouraging individuals from standing up against injustice and violence. In doing so, it inadvertently strengthens the positions of those who promote militarism and aggression. Moreover, such a moral misstep perpetuates a narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong, creating confusion in the collective conscience of society. By painting war protesters with the same brush as war mongers, we risk diluting the moral imperative of striving for a more just, equitable, and peaceful world. In a democracy that values freedom of expression, equating peaceful demonstrators to war advocates not only stifles dissent but also threatens the very principles that uphold a just society. It is imperative to recognize and respect the moral high ground that war protesters occupy, acknowledging their commitment to a more compassionate, humane, and conflict-free world. In summary, the act of equating war protesters to war mongers is not only illogical but also morally reprehensible. It undermines the essence of peaceful dissent, weakens the fight against militarism, and risks perpetuating a narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong. In a world desperate for peace, it is crucial to champion the voices that advocate for non-violence, understanding, and diplomacy. Write for the T.R.i.P. Wire! Introduction:
Publishing a book is a thrilling journey that brings an author's words to life, connecting them with readers worldwide. In this blog post, we'll explore the multifaceted world of book publishing, covering key aspects from writing your manuscript to navigating the publishing industry. 1. **Crafting Your Manuscript:** Before delving into the publishing process, ensure your manuscript is polished and refined. Take the time to edit, revise, and seek feedback from beta readers. A well-crafted manuscript forms the foundation for a successful book. 2. **Choosing the Right Publishing Path:** Authors have two primary routes: traditional publishing and self-publishing. Traditional publishing involves securing a literary agent who will pitch your manuscript to publishing houses. Self-publishing empowers authors to control the entire process, from editing to cover design, using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). 3. **Literary Agents and Query Letters:** If opting for traditional publishing, finding a literary agent is crucial. Craft a compelling query letter that succinctly conveys the essence of your book, enticing agents to request your full manuscript. Research agents who specialize in your genre for a better chance of success. 4. **Navigating Traditional Publishing:** If a literary agent secures a book deal with a publishing house, the publisher will handle various aspects like editing, cover design, and distribution. Authors receive advances against future royalties, and the publisher assumes the financial risk. 5. **Self-Publishing Platforms:** Self-publishing offers autonomy but requires careful planning. Platforms like KDP, IngramSpark, and others provide tools for authors to publish ebooks and print books. Pay attention to formatting, cover design, and marketing strategies to maximize your book's visibility. 6. **Building an Author Platform:** Regardless of the publishing path, establishing an author platform is crucial. Utilize social media, author websites, and newsletters to connect with your audience. A robust author platform enhances your book's marketability and paves the way for future projects. 7. **Marketing and Promotion:** Successful book publishing involves effective marketing. Put together a marketing strategy to promote your book online and in person. Leverage social media, book reviews, author events, and collaborations to increase visibility and attract readers. 8. **The Importance of Professional Editing:** Whether traditional or self-publishing, investing in professional editing is non-negotiable. Editors refine your prose, correct errors, and ensure your book meets industry standards. A well-edited book significantly enhances its reception. 9. **Understanding Royalties and Contracts:** For traditionally published authors, understanding royalty structures and contract terms is vital. Seek legal advice if necessary to ensure you are making informed decisions about your intellectual property. Conclusion: Embarking on the journey of publishing a book requires dedication, persistence, and strategic planning. Whether choosing traditional publishing or embracing the world of self-publishing, authors must navigate each step with care. Remember, the publishing landscape is ever-evolving, so staying informed about industry trends is key to a successful and fulfilling publishing experience.  The long wait is over!
We're giving away a FREE copy of the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology. It took us weeks waiting on the people at Kindle to fix some issues with the upload we had submitted. It was something on their end. Luckily, the book has been published and now it is FREE for a LIMITED TIME. BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD... PLEASE HELP US WITH ONE LITTLE THING We are asking for your help to spread the word about the book and our border arts marketing platform called the Border Arts Network (B.A.N.). FOLLOW THESE STEPS: 1) Click the link at the bottom, which will take you to the B.A.N. website; 2) Once there, click on one of the share icons to any platform you use, or email service, to share the page with your friends and contacts; 3) Then click the book image, which will take you to the download page to get your free copy. That's it! Your help is greatly appreciated. Here's the LINK  Kathleen Bunyan Carlson writes a variety of poetry from serious to humorous, and in a variety of forms from sonnets to doggerel. Her content ranges from earthworms making shameless love on a summer day to the pain of losing a child. Kathleen started writing poetry at the age of seven and made writing her profession. She earned a BA in English, MS in Journalism and an MA in Creative Writing. She worked as a technical writer, grant writer and project coordinator for city and county governments, and for a technical college in Wisconsin. She was born on the island of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. She and her family immigrated to Wisconsin in 1953. She became a U.S. citizen in 1974. She and her husband Vernon live in Palmview, Texas.  The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Miryam Bujanda is a social justice advocate, particularly of women and marginalized communities. She is the Principal of Bujanda & Associates, a Governmental and Community Relations firm. She adjuncts at St. Mary’s University on civic and social engagement and is a Macondo Writer’s Workshop alumna. She is writing a poetry memoir that explores the impact of childhood trauma. Inspired by artist K. Hokusai’s thirty-six prints of Mt. Fuji, the poetry records the diverse iterations of the traumatic experience and its aftermath, revealing the emergence of new landscapes, which the poet observes, scrutinizes and interprets across the seasons.  The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Amanda Lee Calderon is a photographer, writer, filmmaker, and actress from McAllen, Texas. Her photography and poetry have been featured in Encore Magazine, The Paper, Speechless in the RGV Magazine, Mirrors: An Anthology, House of Horrors, House of Horrors 2, and Otherwise Engaged Volume 3. She has written over 10+ screenplays and enjoys shooting short films during her free time. One of her biggest inspirations is nature and enjoying the outdoors. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Sibani Sen's poetry has appeared in a variety of publications including Off the Coast, Nixes Mate Review, and Main Street Rag. She has done collaborative projects with the History Design Studio at the Harvard Hutchins Center, the Con-cord Museum, the Beacon Street Arts Studios in Somerville, the former Green Street Studio in Cambridge, and the pop-up New Rasa Initiative group at the Public Theater in NYC. Her current projects include forthcoming poetry and a monograph on the Indian premodern poet Bharatchandra. She teaches creative writing and South Asian history and literature. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Nely González nacio en Mainero tamaulipas. Es escritora de poesía. Actriz de teatro y aficionada a la pintura al oleo. Su primer libro( Un Corazón en Soledad) en 2017 Y el segundo libro (Una Carta y Cien Poemas para ti.) Ambos fueron publicados por Legado Publishing. Actualmente vive en McAllen Texas. Este tercer libro( Mi Vida Sin Ti) esta dedicado a su esposo fallecido el 5 Enero de 2021. En las primeras paginas se daran cuenta que va relatando su vida y que muchas veces es dentro de la cotidianidad del matrimonio que estan juntos pero viven lejos uno del otro. La segunda parte del libro son historias veridicas. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios... Para mas informacion sobre la autora visita su pagina web: http://nelygonzalez.legadopublishing.info/  Victor M. Parlatto is a poet, father, and writer. With over a decade of experience, Victor has written countless poems and literary works. Well known for his poems addressed to Bella, Victor's poetry paints a picture of everyday life and the emotional spectrum in a comedic, dark, and occasionally brutally honest light. Victor attends poetry readings weekly and shares personal readings across his social media platforms alongside his written work. Some of these works include: "***" and "***". When Victor is not immersed in his writing, he spends his time with his daughter, gaming, reading, or listening to music. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Wendy Lara es una artista multifacética, reconocida por su desempeño actoral en teatro y televisión; ha participado en cortometrajes, comerciales y obras de teatro como actriz, escritora y directora. Diseñadora y creadora de vestuarios siendo sus creaciones más reconocidas en este rubro los diseños de La Catrina Garbancera y Frida Kahlo. En el mundo de las letras creadora de monólogos y poemas algunos de ellos incluidos en diferentes medios electrónicos y libros físicos. Su desempeño artístico tiene fundamento en el empoderamiento de la mujer mexicana como también la fusión de las diferentes ramas artísticas. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Dan Brook’s most recent books are Harboring Happiness: 101 Ways To Be Happy (Beacon, 2021), Sweet Nothings (Hekate, 2020), about the nature of haiku and the concept of nothing, and Eating the Earth: The Truth About What We Eat (Smashwords, 2020). The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios...  Photograph by Mark Polyakov Stanley H. Barkan, editor/ publisher of Cross-Cultural Communications, which in 2020 celebrated its 50th Anniversary with 500 books in print, and as many broadsides and postcards and audio-visual productions in 60 languages (ranging from Arabic to Yiddish). CCC, in addition to having a long and productive cooperative relationship with Peter Thabit Jones of The Seventh Quarry Press in Swansea, Wales, has also hosted numerous literary events throughout the United States and in many parts of the world (Argentina, Bulgaria, Poland, Puerto Rico, Sicily, Wales), at such locations in New York as the International Center, Poets House, the Yale Club, and the Dag Hammerskjöld Auditorium of the United Nations. His own work has been published in 29 poetry editions, many bilingual, including Armenian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Dutch, Farsi/Persian, Italian, Romanian, Russian, Sicilian, Spanish. His most recent books are As Still as a Broom, translated into Spanish by Isaac Goldemberg (2018) and Pumpernickel, translated into Farsi/Persian by Sepideh Zamani (2019) (both published by Oyster Bay, NY: New Feral Press), and More Mishpocheh, with illustrative photos and art by the author’s wife, Bebe Barkan (Swansea, Wales: The Seventh Quarry Press, 2018). Also, in 2017, he was awarded the Homer European Medal of Poetry & Art. Barkan lives with his wife in Merrick, Long Island, where his son and daughter and five grandchildren also reside. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley H. Barkan  Roberto A. (Rob) Rocha is a writer, poet, musician, speaker, and podcaster from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. In 2014, he released a project of original music titled, “Dreaming in Blue,” and in 2018, published his first book of bilingual poetry titled, “Tamarindo Dreams: A Collection of Barrio Poetry.” He has traveled Latin America, speaking in Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Columbia. In July of 2022, he launched a podcast called, “The Bridges & Borders Podcast,” which features conversations with notable Latinx, discussing Art, Music, Writing, and Tejano culture. Some of his latest poetry is available in online publications and will be included in an upcoming Texas anthology. Rob currently resides near Dallas, Texas with his wife, Pauline. They have 4 adult children and are expecting their 10th grandchild. The Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers is LIVE and available for purchase. (CLICK HERE for a short sample of what's inside.)
For the next several days we will be posting each of our contributors' bios and pictures here in the order that they appear in the anthology "Contributor Bios" page. The aim of this publication was to showcase some of the artistic talent that often gets overlooked by some when topics of the US-Mexico border arise. The artists and writers who contributed to the Border Arts: Beyond the Barriers anthology are some of the most accomplished. These are their bios... Roberto’s official FB page is: www.facebook.com/merogallowritings. Contact Roberto for speaking engagements and/or poetry readings at merogallowritings@gmail.com. |
AuthorGabriel H. Sanchez is an author, poet, actor, editor, and publisher from the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, on the border with Mexico. Gabriel is the author of "Once Upon a Bad Hombre," "The X Series," "The Martian Ones: Tales of Human Folly," and "The Fluid Chicano." You can read more about him and his other projects at gabrielhugo.com or on his Facebook page: @gabrielhugoauthor. Categories
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