Joe Barrera In the nostalgia time that comes at the end of December every year I remember my past life and what that past means for me now. In this town full of military veterans I think a lot about my Army life, the combat I saw in the Vietnam War, the long twisting road I have walked since I came home from the war, and the many other veterans who have walked that road with me. Christmas time is a powerfully special time, making every memory more real, making every reliving

It's time to accept that we are hopelessly multicultural. Too many powerful streams are flowing into the American ocean, each one bringing its own flavors into the cosmic mix. In spite of hostility to multiculturalism and the fear that accompanies it, we must be honest and admit that we enjoy drinking heady draughts out of those rivers. They are surefire cures for the boredom of sameness. A strong drink is coming up: Los Días de los Muertos, The Days of The Dead, November 1-8

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept.15-Oct. 15, is upon us. Hispanic, Latino, Chicano, Mexican Heritage month is one of many ethnic months. Some people object to Hispanic Heritage Month because they fear Mexicans and other Latinos. That's what happens when there is a constant propaganda barrage about the "crisis at the border," when border guards push mothers and babies back into the water, balloon obstacles float in the water and chains and razor wire lace el Rio Grande, the Big R