Politics (147)

Why Latinos Are So Pessimistic About the Future

Despite my frequently cynical viewpoint and occasional outbursts of rage (always justified, I assure you), I consider myself a fairly optimistic person. But I've just found out that my positive attitude has made me a psychological minority within an ethnic minority. This is because my fellow Latinos are a little down on the world right now, especially regarding how well we all get along with each other. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that "one year after the election of President Barack Obama, black optimism about America has surged, while Hispanics have become more skeptical about race relations." Basically, African-Americans are still feeling pretty good about their place in society, while Latinos are, as the headline to the story puts it, "wary" about our status in this country. It doesn't appear to just be self-loathing or paranoia, either. Among the interesting tidbits in the poll is the finding that "Hispanics, not blacks, now are seen as the ethnic group facing the most discrimination. Twenty-three percent of all respondents say Hispanics are discriminated against 'a lot,' compared with eighteen percent for blacks, ten percent for whites and eight percent for Asians." So what do we take away from this finding, besides the facts that black Americans are on the upswing and that everybody loves Asians? Well, it would appear that the unwanted title of most feared ethnic group in America - long held by blacks - is being passed to Latinos. READ FULL STORY
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Latinos and the Political Earthquake in Massachusetts

There was that horrible earthquake that devastated Haiti. Last night, Massachusetts and the United States experienced a political earthquake that could be as in many ways as profound with the election of Republican Scott Brown over Democrat Martha Coakley to the U.S. Senate. And today is the first anniversary of the inauguration of President Barack Obama, which means that the Massachusetts debacle will be magnified by media assessments of the President's first year. The immediate debate in Washington, D.C., among Democrats is how to tactically address the fate of the health insurance reform bill now that the filibuster-proof Senate is gone. Some want to push it through quickly before Scott Brown is seated, others want to wait, and some think the bill is dead. Word is that the White House prefers passing the Senate version of the health bill, which is the weaker of the two versions, but which they see as politically the most viable. The Republicans for the most part seem interested in killing the bill. But whatever happens, two things seem clear. First, the Democratic Party and the president are now in the most defensive position they have been so far during this administration. Second, the Latino community is going to get screwed on health care . . . and immigration reform. Both the House and Senate versions of the health insurance reform bills were highly flawed, raising serious questions that their description as "reform" applies. In both versions Latinos are disproportionately handicapped in our access to affordable health care, but more so in the Senate version. Part of the rumored White House strategy of supporting passage of the Senate version is that the president will fix it in the future. But this was a promise that then President Bill Clinton made in 1996 and broke about his welfare reform bill that created so many problems for Latino immigrants, including creating the five-year waiting period for legal permanent residents eligibility for federal health care programs that is such a problem today, despite being taxpayers. READ FULL STORY
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The Latino Coalition (TLC) is honored to announce that former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich will deliver keynote remarks at its annual Economic Summit and Procurement Event, to be held in Washington, DC, on May 5th. Gingrich's presence at the event caps off a distinguished roster of presenters that includes congressional leaders from both political parties, captains of industry and Hispanic opinion makers.

The two-day summit will gather Hispanic entrepreneurs from across the nation who seek expanded business opportunities through contracts with the Federal Government and Fortune 500 corporations. In 2009, the Economic Summit secured more than 300 one-on-one appointments between Latino entrepreneurs and procurement officers from these entities.

First elected to Congress in 1978, Newt Gingrich quickly distinguished himself as a strategic leader and powerful
advocate of his party's values. In 1989, he was elected Minority Whip and, in 1994, the 58th Speaker of the House of Representatives. He is widely credited as the architect of the Republican Revolution, which returned majority control of the House to the GOP in the mid-term elections of that year. The Contract with America, a landmark, 10-point, succinct public statement of accountability to the electorate, is also attributed the former Speaker. Today, Gingrich continues to be regarded as one of the nation's leaders in matters of public and foreign policy, and is a sought after public speaker.

He is also a noted TV commentator and accomplished author of 20 books. Keenly aware of the crucial role Hispanics play in America's future, Gingrich is one of very few American Conservatives to develop a robust outreach program to this audience, which includes the launch of The Americano, a bilingual political commentary journal that touches on the issues important to the nation and Latinos; translation into Spanish of
several of his books, and a national Hispanic leadership listening tour, to better understand the current dynamics and concerns of this, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. electorate.

"I am looking forward to my participation at The Latino Coalition's Economic Summit. Economic empowerment has been a key component in the ascent of Latinos in American life. Free enterprise and entrepreneurship are as important to Latinos as to the rest of Americans, so I am eager to speak -- but also listen -- to Latino entrepreneurs on issues that will push their businesses forward," noted Gingrich. READ FULL STORY
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By nominating a Hispanic theologian, Miguel Diaz, to become the US ambassador to the Holy See. President Obama is posing a serious challenge to the Catholic Church, according to a Time magazine analysis. The President is trying to woo Hispanic Catholics, the magazine suggests, and thereby pull them away from the influence of the Catholic hierarchy while solidifying the strength of the Democratic party among Hispanic voters. In a crass example of politicization of religion, Time claims: "The American Catholic church may be the one institution more worried than the GOP about losing Hispanics." READ FULL STORY
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Educators take heat over Obama school speech

Call it a lesson in contemporary political discourse. Educators across America found themselves at the center of a political storm this week as conservatives exploded in anger over President Obama's plans to give a speech to the country's schoolchildren. A stunned White House insisted the address, planned for Tuesday, and accompanying suggested lesson plans are meant simply to encourage students to study hard and stay in school. But some parents said they aren't buying it. They said they're convinced the president is going to use the opportunity to press a partisan political agenda on impressionable young minds. "Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," a suburban Colorado mother, Shanneen Barron, told CNN affiliate KMGH-TV in Denver. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now." READ FULL STORY VIEW VIDEO NOW
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Geraldo on Hispanics’ new era of prosperity

In his new book “The Great Progression: How Hispanics Will Lead America to a New Era of Prosperity,” award-winning journalist Geraldo Rivera details the evolving role of Hispanics in shaping every facet of American culture. Read an excerpt on how the Hispanic community has socially, economically and politically impacted our future. Introduction For the first time in modern world history a powerful nation is changing complexion right before the eyes of its citizens. In real time it is possible to watch America become more culturally diverse, its face physically darker. The United States has vastly more Latinos than it did just a relatively few years ago, and their numbers are increasing at an explosive rate, on average almost four thousand per day. This book is about what that dramatic trend means for the country. READ FULL STORY
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According to a 3-year time series analysis of the Latino Policy Coalition's (LPC) nationwide polls (conducted in April 2006, Sept. 2006 and July 2009), Democrats have increased their ratings on top Latino priority issues like healthcare reform,immigration reform and jobs and the economy. "This data shows that Congressional Democrats continue to achieve strong credibility with Latino voters," said LPC Chair Jim Gonzalez. On healthcare reform: Democrats in Congress hold a 45-point advantage over Congressional Republicans (60% Democrats, 15% Republicans) when it comes to health care and prescription drugs. The gap between Congressional Democrats and Congressional Republicans has only grown wider since April 2006 when Democrats had a 43-point advantage (Democrats 61%, Republicans 18%). READ FULL STORY
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In Tennessee, a young mother is arrested and jailed when she asks to be paid for her work in a cheese factory. In Alabama, a migrant bean picker sees his life savings confiscated by police during a traffic stop. In Georgia, a rapist goes unpunished because his 13-year-old victim is undocumented. These are just a few examples of the injustices that confront Latino immigrants as they struggle to gain a foothold in the South. The region now is home to the fastest-growing population of Latinos in the country, many of them lured by the manufacturing and construction jobs created during the economic boom of the 1990s. But many in Dixie aren't treating their new neighbors with any semblance of Southern hospitality. In fact, Latinos in the South - many of whom came here to escape crushing poverty in their home countries - are encountering widespread hostility, discrimination and exploitation. READ FULL STORY
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AN INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES RAMOS, PRESIDENT, BALTIMORE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Charles Ramos is the current President of the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is also the President and CEO of CR Dynamics, a customer relationship management services company based in Baltimore, MD. Charles believes that Hispanic businesses in Baltimore not only can weather today’s economic woes, but are poised to thrive in the years to come. In the following interview, he talks about his role as the President of the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Comerce, discusses the current situation for Hispanic businesses in the area and offers his predictions for the future. Q: Tell me about the Chamber. CR: The Chamber is about 7 years old. It all started with some local businessmen who just needed a place and a forum to talk, to work on events and activities that would engage the greater community and the politicians at the local and state level. We have several annual events as a result of the Chamber being in existence.
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GOP can reclaim the Hispanic vote

Recently in the media a couple of articles have been printed that paint a pretty bleak picture of the prospects of the GOP winning back Hispanic voters (“Republicans Sound Alarm on Hispanic Voter Gap,” May 18; “RNC Hiring Chafes Top Hispanics,” May 20, http://www.politico.com). I was quoted in both articles and felt it necessary to expand on my remarks and add some observations. While it is true that many Hispanic Republican leaders are anxious to see progress on efforts to regain lost ground among Hispanic voters, this should not be confused with a lack of support for the core values of the party or the inspirational leadership of RNC Chairman Michael Steele. Let me be very clear: The Republican Party must recapture a material portion of the Hispanic vote or we will not win national elections in the future. I make this stark prediction based not on emotion but, rather, on facts. Mistakes have been made in recent years, and we have a lot of work to do to earn back the interest and the trust of Hispanic voters; the good news is that it can be done. Let us examine why this is so imperative. Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic group in the country. By 2050, we are projected to swell from 15 percent of the population to 30 percent (132.8 million people). Non-Hispanic whites will shrink from 66 percent today to only 46 percent in 2050. The effect beyond 2050 will be even larger. In 2050, 62 percent of children are expected to be minorities, up from 44 percent today, with 39 percent being Hispanic and 38 percent non-Hispanic white. READ FULL STORY
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Ruling favors Latino voters in Texas Democrat suit

Latino voters celebrated a federal court ruling Tuesday that came down against the Texas Democratic Party and could put the complicated "Texas Two-step" presidential delegate system in jeopardy. The ruling by a three-judge panel will allow the lawsuit to go forward and put the Texas delegate system closer to facing a potential review by the Justice Department, which Latino advocates sought in the aftermath of last year's intense Democratic primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. In a lawsuit filed last year, the Latino groups argued that the way Texas Democrats awarded presidential delegates unfairly discriminated against Latinos by awarding fewer presidential delegates to heavily Hispanic areas. They did not contest to whom the delegates were awarded, but rather how the allotment was made. Latino advocates saw Tuesday's ruling as clearing the way for the party's complex process of awarding delegates through a primary and caucus to be done away with entirely. READ FULL STORY
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Latinas are gaining influence all around the world, not just in the United States. From presidents to Supreme Court appointee, many notable women have opened doors for the next generation to walk through. Sonia Sotomayor, Michelle Bachelet and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner were each named to the Forbes World's Most Powerful Women list for different reasons. Let's take a look at these women and their exceptional accomplishments: Sonia Sotomayor Sotomayor is the first Hispanic and only the third woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court in the United States. Her impact has just begun to be felt, but the lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land means that her votes and opinions could have a longterm impact on American law. Her life story and perseverance have already inspired so many to reach for the stars and to embrace our the goal of becoming "wise Latinas." Michelle Bachelet As the first female president of Chile, Bachelet has presided over a huge expansion of Chile's free-trade agreements. Under Bachelet, the Chilean economy has remained remarkably stable during the global recession and the gap between the rich and poor (one of the largest in the world) has been addressed through increased social benefits. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Fernández de Kirchner is Argentina's first democratically elected female leader. Since she rose to power, she has had a seat at influential meetings such as the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy and the G20. Kirchner is also a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, whose mission is to mobilize around global issues of critical importance to women.
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What does it mean to be called a Hispanic?

With the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court, conversations quickly turned into debates about race and, in particular, about the term ‘Hispanic’ and what it means, or may not mean, to be called a Hispanic. Many newspaper articles, television editorials, and blogs about Sotomayor question whether or not it is even relevant that she is Hispanic. Is she a Hispanic, a Latino, a Puerto Rican, or just an American? There has even been a question as to whether or not she would even be the first Latino/Hispanic on the Supreme Court! Some pundits wonder why race is even a part of the conversation. The confirmation process of Sotomayor should be based purely on the basis of her qualifications, her judicial track record, and her judicial demeanor. Race should not be a part of the process. Sounds good in a color-blind society, but in the real world it doesn’t work that way. The question of what we call ourselves: Latino, Hispanic, or Mexican-American is a debate that has been swirling around for some time now. Here at La Prensa San Diego we have often been asked the questions, “What do you call yourselves? What is a Hispanic? Where does the term Chicano comes from?” READ FULL STORY
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Westchester to spend $50M on fair housing

Westchester County must spend millions of dollars to build affordable housing and integrate mostly white communities in a historic civil rights settlement stemming from a federal desegregation lawsuit. The landmark agreement that was announced yesterday dictates that Westchester spend more than $50 million to build 750 units in the next seven years in parts of the county where there are few, if any, minorities. The decision has national ramifications that could affect thousands of municipalities that accept federal housing funds, though Westchester is the first to reach an agreement. READ FULL STORY Westchester County Map
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With their prospects in Congress sinking along with the economy, liberal advocates of giving undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship are launching a risky strategy to push lawmakers and the White House to take up their cause. They propose that Congress legalize millions of undocumented workers now, in exchange for reducing the number of temporary foreign workers allowed to enter the country in the future. Their calculation could win a new and powerful ally - organized labor - but risks alienating businesses that rely on temporary workers, and could turn off key Republicans such as Sen. John McCain of Arizona. READ FULL STORY
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Wauconda's village board candidates are divided over comments one hopeful made about the village's Hispanic community. During a group interview at the Daily Herald's Lake County office on March 10, trustee candidate Mark Kwasigroch said Spanish-speaking residents "need to learn how to read English if they're going to live in Wauconda." READ FULL STORY
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Mexico Strikes Back in Trade Spat

The Mexican government said Monday it would slap tariffs on 90 U.S. industrial and agricultural products, in a trade dispute that underscored the difficulties facing President Barack Obama as he tries to assure business and global allies that he favors free trade. Mexico said the tariffs were in retaliation for the cancellation of a pilot program allowing Mexican trucks to transport cargo throughout the U.S. Unions have for years fought to keep Mexican trucks off U.S. highways, despite longstanding agreements by the two countries to eventually allow their passage. Legislation killing the pilot program was included in a $410 billion spending bill Mr. Obama signed last week. READ FULL STORY
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Kennedy was a champion for Latinos

The Senate’s sole Hispanic Democrat says Latinos lost one of their greatest champions in Sen. Ted Kennedy. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said in a statement this morning Kennedy “will always have a place of honor in the Latino community as someone who stood up and fought for the rights of immigrants and the issues that affected the community at a time when few others would.” Menendez and Kennedy, a lifelong champion of civil rights, worked together to craft immigration reform legislation which ultimately failed. Menendez said it was “inspiring” to work with Kennedy, regarded as one of the finest legislators ever to serve in the Senate. “I considered him not only a colleague, but a true friend in the Senate,” said Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants. READ FULL STORY
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One Christian Hispanic leader's appeal to Latinos to boycott the 2010 Census count is sending other Hispanic leaders into a panic. The Rev. Miguel Rivera, chairman of the Washington-based National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, has called on Hispanics not to participate in the Census. He wants to use it as a club to force Congress to move ahead on comprehensive immigration reform. So far, there has been little action on the issue, despite the hopes of Latino groups after the election of President Barack Obama that a bill would pass this year. "This is the time to correct this immorality," said Rivera. "No comprehensive immigration reform passed, no participation in Census 2010." READ FULL STORY
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New challenges arise for minorities in 2010 census

What seems like a simple question — How many Hispanics are living in the United States? — has become surprisingly complex as the 2010 census approaches. Hispanics and other minorities have historically been undercounted in the once-a-decade survey. Advocacy groups are now launching their traditional efforts to ensure an accurate count, but a variety of factors have created new problems for the painting of America's official portrait. Activists and government officials say fears over immigration enforcement and government snooping are making people more reluctant to share their information. The economic meltdown and Bush administration budget cuts have slowed funding for the census. Millions of laid-off renters and foreclosed homeowners are on the move. READ FULL STORY
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