Exclusiva

What is a Latino?

is he Mexican?
is he Puerto Rican?
is he Cuban, Argentinean, Brazilian, Panamanian?
is he Spaniard?

what about his children born in the USA?
aren't they American?

who are you targeting?
Mexicans?
Spaniards?
Guatemalans?

who?

I'm not Mexican or Argentinean but my grandparents and great grandparents were born in Spain. That doesn't make me less American.

America needs more workers, new citizens, and border control all at once. pull your heads out of the sand and make it so.

Hispanic leaders have emerged several decades ago and continue to emerge daily. It is called integration. There was an Hispanic at the head of Coca Cola, Sears, the United Natuions, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, several mainstream corporations too numerous to mention.

If by leaders you mean presidents and directors of non profit coorporations, spontaneous leaders like in the African American community, no. They lean too much to one party. They are unacceptable to the general community. They are perceived as controlled, puppets of the Daley machine, the Democratic Party.

prairieyaqui

I think Hispanics and Blacks need national leaders.

Leaders are needed in every facet of our nation; hispanics are not lacking leaders, what they are lacking is identity. You can not expect to have the same priviledges that normal citizens enjoy when you are not a citizen. If I went to any country (especially Mexico) and protested in the streets with an American flag to be allowed the same priviledges as those native to that country at the very least I would be arrested it not shot. I have inter-action with illegal immagrants everyday at work and for the most part they all work hard, but they themselves not state they made a mistake in coming out in protest instead they should have left things as they were. Most want the benefits America have to offer but few actually want to become citizens. They want our wealth and our prosperity, but they dont' want to have to pay taxes or deal with our laws. Most by their own admission that I deal with each day say that they do not care for our laws and how they have to pay social security taxes and taxes for just about everything. They like being able to take the money they make and send it home. Most of the individuals I deal with drive cars without a license, without insurance and have fake identification cards and fake social security cards that they bought at one of the area flea markets. They say they know where to go to get what they need because they have their own network and word spreads within their groups. They normally stick close together and often as many a dozen or more live together. They leave in commual groups many of them from the same area of the country they came from; whether it be Mexico or any other South American or Central American country.The bottom line is when you ask for Latin Leadership you are forgetting that most of us consider ourselves Americans regardless of our enthic background. I served this nation in the Navy for almost 28 years and I am an American. I may come from a Spanish background, but I bleed good old American Red, White, and Blue. I get upset with political party pundits that think they speak for the whole country or the whole party for that matter.They have forgotten that they are Ameicans and that the whole is greater and more important than the individual parties. Lets go back to being a coutry of laws and forthrightness, lets go back to making people take responsibility for their actions and stop blaming everything and everyone for our lack of backbone and stand for what's right. Leaders will always rise up to lead, just get all the political correctness garbage out of the way and call an apple an apple; and above all stop pointing fingers and lets get to work to fix the problem. Let get together like our parents and grandparents did and stop complaining and go to work. Let start by forgetting who's from what background and where we come from and what party we are affiliated with and just be Americans. If the immagrants want to become Americans then they need to do it the right way and not through some back-door policy, rather they should have some backbone and do it the right way, the legal way and not look for a short cut or a way to get around it. If those people in politic weren't so worried about themselves and taking care of big businesses we would not have this problem to begin with, but since we do lets fix it. Lets start by cleaning up our businesses and making them responsible for ensuring they hire only legal immagrants. Trust me it is not hard to tell whether these people are legal or not, most will tell you it you ask; and we need to stop being so scared to ask, thinking we are going to violate someone's rights, when they're the one here illegally and breaking the law. I know that I don't share the same view that a lot of others do, but at least I put on the Uniform and served most of my adult life to give you all the right to your opinions; as did many more before and others continue to do so even now. I think when it all comes down to where the rubber meets the road most people want the problem resolved but they are afraid of what everyone else thinks, I love Israel if nothing else because they have the courage to do what they think is best for their people and don't get overly concern with what every body else thinks; I guess that is because they know they are not going to be pleasing to someone, so why not ensure that you do what is best for your citizen and what they want. Thanks! Ed

Bravo to Edward Guerra. Great blog. He wrote what I believe most of Americans feel. Let's make all illegals do it the right way. Go ahead, march, nothing gets my temper roaring more than seeing illegals protesting for rights in my country. Let's get them out of the jobs, out of the housing then they have no choice, they have to head back south. Do they need our tax dollar to do it? Why? They had no problem getting here on their own, let them leave on their own.

Latino is a funny definition, because of course it only means something in constrast to Americans (north Americans). For example, Italians means people from Italy, Irish are from Ireland, but "Latinos" are from all different countries, all different races, the only thing they are is something that is not the same as Americans. So it's a very negative concept. It's a divisive concept. How can you be a "Latino" leader and live in America? If you are a leader type of person, you would just be an American leader, because no one asks you where you're from. At my work I admire one leader who was born in England and another from India, but no one thinks about their ethnic background nor do they mention it constantly. So if you are a leader born in some corrupt Latin American dictatorship, why can't you lead Italians and Irishmen too. So, by default, you won't have very many "Latino" leaders, those people who identify themselves by their differences from their countrymen cannot really be good leaders, they are divisive people.

I think we need more German leadership. I don't understand a word of spanish.

Yes, Hispanics have a leadership vacuum. Hispanics need leaders that are not ashamed of being an American. Hispanics need leaders that are loyal to the US and not to Mexico, Puerto Rico or another part of Latin America. Hispanics need leaders that live in reality and not in Atzlan. Hispanics need leaders that are not afraid of discussing honestly and frankly how illegal alien immigration hurts US born Hispanics more than any other group.

Right now, groups like La Raza and LULAC are more interested in trying to promote the nonexistent rights of illegal aliens in the US rather than the rights of US born citizens who consider themselves Hispanic because of their heritage. Therefore, they don't represent most Hispanics. Hispanics don't need politicians like Antonio Villarraigoza, Cruz Bustamante, and Dolores Huerta. They are more interested in marginalizing Hispanics from mainstream US society than providing real leadership.

Lack of leadership is not the reason that there have not been huge numbers of new Hispanic voters. The real problem is that most of the Hispanics who were out protesting in the streets this past spring were illegal aliens. And the last I heard, illegal aliens don't have the right to vote in the US.

That is the plan of the followers of la raza, which is just another type of terrorist group aimed at the U.S. Their plan is to take back control of Mexifornia, Mexizona, Old Mexico and Mexas. They are already the majority population in most of these states. As they continue to grow they elect more people into office that are far more radical in ideas than the kook left fringe. Wake up America and require Congress to pass a Fortification Immigration Bill, one that closes the border and deports all illegals here in the U.S. For those who say we need workers are lying to the American public. They only want them for votes and to establish bigger government programs. They want you to believe if they are not allowed to work the cost of farm produce and other items would be too expensive. I ask you this question? Would you rather pay 4.00 for a head of lettuce. Or Millions of dollars in prison costs, healthcare costs, education costs & bilingual required government documents. Crime and Hospital closures are everyday occurances in these states. The money thrown at these two alone would make up for the increase of goods we would pay. The education issue alone takes away the right of your children to get a quality education when the school is forced to educate these non english speaking students. They say they do jobs Americans will not do, that might be true, but neccesity is the mother of invention. I believe without these money pits draining our society businesses would be forced to raise the pay of the job or invent a way to do it without the labor. Either way, America will be better off without the illegals, and the fraud and waste they create in our system of economy.

Go back to Mexico if you want representation - I forgot your leaders are so corrupt that you dont have representation there! Go back and fix your country instead of ruining the U.S. And learn English before you come back!

I have looked long and hard at the illegal immigration issues. Some are more articulate than others.
Laraza, Mecha, l.u.l.a.c, mexica-movement and aztlan.net all give valid response to what you say. But go out in the streets and see what is said. As an American you should be angry. The first time I was screamed at this is stolen land and this is Aztlan, I was speechless. Go ask the Libertarian running against Arnold what he receives in the mail.
But really to get to the real problems of illegal immigration, cheap labor is undermining All Americans earning potential. Tyson Chicken once paid 19.00 an hour in 1981 today that same job pays just 9.50 and hour, is chicken any cheaper today? They openly recruit from Mexico. Excuse me they didn't know they were recruiting illegal aliens. Top it off with too many h1 b visa's, a software engineer once made 70,000 a year now makes about 35,000 a year, Is software any cheaper today? Add a toll road that Americans will pay an estimated 200 billion dollars to build, Mexican nationals will build it, Spain will own it and the Mexican army will guard it with the first check point in Kansas City. No American army or American law enforcement will have jurisdiction over it. By San Antonio Texas it is wider than the city its-self. China is building two of the largest ports in the world, in Mexico, in anticipation. What happens to American ports? They close. Where do those Americans find new jobs and doing what?
Now lets look at unchecked illegal immigration. What diseases are being brought into this country. mdr-tb, leprosy, hepatitis, all child hood diseases are on the rise. All those diseases you can think of, or not is making Americans sick. Hospitals are laying off employees and closing because of this epidemic.
This isn't about legal immigration or Americans that are of Mexican ethninticity. You are American or you are not.
However there are more Americans murdered every year by illegal aliens than soldiers killed in Iraq to date. They are not just white, wake up. Illegal aliens are not all Mexican nationals either.
Terrorist are coming across our borders. North and South. The Southern border is just worse. In Texas 135,000 o.t.m.s (other than Mexican) came across the border last year, we have surpassed that number already this year. I.E.D.'s and R.P.G.'s have been found. These are being used in Iraq. Yes, there is more.
Illegal aliens that flew plans into the trade towers were illegal aliens some given amnesty in 1986.
Illegal aliens do not have civil rights, they have human rights. The A.C.L.U. well frankly there just isn't anything American about that organization. They seek to over turn every vote they don't like. They protect terrorists and foreign criminals only. They seek to remove God from our society. 86 percent of America is Christian. They site separation of church and state. Now who founded them and what was their goal? Does that goal still exist today?
Taking on such large populations from third world society's that are not assimilating in America what does that mean to American women? Think about that one lady's.
All great nations fall to multiculturalism.
I find it amazing that the people in the media don't report the truth. They report their opinions. How do I know? I have seen it. I have a reporter on film saying "If what you say is true..." Don't you research what you report any more?
This is nothing short of fascism. The term being when government is run by corporations, that is what we have. Whatever is good for a corporation, not Americans.
So do you really believe Americans don't have the right to be angry?
This isn't really a singular issue.
Do you believe some people should have a free pass to break our laws because they want a better life? Our prisons are full of those kind of people. Should they get free a pass too?
To site federal law as a reason to not enforcing our immigration laws is like saying, don't go after bank robbers or kidnappers, that's the federal governments job.
Have you not attended any house hearings? Every time I have stood there in support of enforcement of our laws, I have heard the stories, I have heard the quiet Thank you from the local law enforcement officers.
Our southern border is a war zone. In the month of June 254 officers were assaulted in the Laredo area alone.
First week of February 2006 a black hawk helicopter was shot down by the Mexican military. Did you ever hear a word about that? Want more information contact Curtis Collier at www.usborderwatch.com
By the way I do not recall any one saying it was Mexican nationals only. Why are some Americans with a Mexican back ground being offended? Is it because the open border advocates say it is racism? They are liars. They just don't have a valid reason for advocating the breaking of our laws, it does make one wonder then what is their reason? L.U.L.A.C. What does that stand for? Yes, I know but do you? It most certainly is not for the betterment of American Latin's, if it was, they wouldn't be advocating the large number of illegal immigrants coming here driving American wages down.
Are they all criminals? My answer is yes, because they broke the law to come here in the first place. They steal identities to work and commit other acts of fraud. Where does it stop? Finally if some one comes here breaking the law because they don't think it is fair what laws might suit them, what laws will they decide is fair? Are Mexico's immigration laws fair? How about we adopt their immigration laws?
At last we come to this, why is this even a debate? Simply put we have laws on the book, act(8 U.S.C. 1324). Enforce the law.
We have avenues for legal immigration. Why won't they travel the right road?
Illegal - unlawful
Alien - stranger
Notice: I did not ever refer to the illegal population as space aliens.
A dose of the truth would be healthy here. P.C. is just code for lies.

If you want representives based on your origin, then you'd better pack your bags and leave. This is America. Americans need AMERICAN leaders not "ethnic" leaders. Same goes for Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. Maybe if these "Hispanics" would stop thinking about their "raza" first, they wouldnt' have such a hard time recruiting. It divides those who believe their "raza" comes first with those Mexican, Salvadorian, etc ancestry who put America first, not their "raza".

First, throw out that term, "Latino out the door" ... now, there are many "Hispanic" organizations here in the United States claiming to represent us, the Hispanic American or Mexican American and claim even to speak for you and me, but in reality their policies and doctrines incline more towards the "rights of people of Mexican descent", and not for us here as Americans of this country. Today, in most major cities through out the United States, even our own music is practically non-existent and all you hear is music from south of the border. Why do we have 4, 5, 6 Mexican radio stations in big cities of our country? Ah, hello!

While we still have many controversial border initiatives to discuss and points to argue between Mexico and the United States, I guess the plain truth is that our real "Americian identity" has been "Lost In Translation" - if I can use that movie title for now. Yes, lost and overtaken by this migration that "things are just out of control." Some laws in this country make it possible for "others" to succeed and get away with things, while our American rights are ignored right here in our own homeland.

It could probably be stated openly and about 100% ascertained that all of these issues and problems between these two ethnics groups are causing the rise and fall of our rights as citizens of this country, of our music and and identity, plus la onda tejana as I know it; directly or indirectly, or both!! It's also my understanding, thinking, and belief that:

1) We deserve the right to have and managed our own TV stations so that we can see and hear what is fittingly and appropriately a "Hispanic American market."

2) Deserve the right to have the media coverage that truthfully represents us, and not from Mexico.

3) Need to have FM radio stations all over this country that play "our kind of music", and that can be from oldies to tejano, from rock to hip hop, and even salsa!, whatever, but at least it's our kind of music, and not what we hear today!

TEJANOmike

Everyday when I read the newspaper, I see many examples of Latino Leadership. These of course are leaders of gangs but who is really surprised.

I guess this is the type of latino leadership that the latino politicos like to forget about instead of cleaning up.

Wow, lots of interesting comments.
First and foremost, I am a Mexican American. When thinking of why we don't have many latino leaders, it all dwindles down to the economic system. When you think of Hispanic families, you don't think of rich and prosperous, you think poor and lower to middle class. The truth is, even the immigrants who come over legally and the families that have been in the U.S for a number of years, just don't have the same opportunities that particularly, the caucasian race does. People come from places like Mexico to provide a better lifestyle for their families, but when they get here, they are not immediately offered jobs. There are stereotypes and barriers that do come with the territory of coming to a new place, but most Hispanic families cannot afford to send their children to Princeton, Harvard, or ivy league schools. In a lot of cases, children don't even go to college because they work to support their families. So, yes I agree there are a lack of latino leaders, but a reason for that is lack of opportunity. going to get people to pay attention? Do you think it will be by letters or meetings with leaders? Of course not!
Even though I was born in the states, I get so frustrated when I hear those comments of "go back to Mexico" and "learn to speak American". Many people are so ignorant, and with mentalities like that, it's going to take a long time for ethnic leaders to emerge. There can be no ethnic leaders until Americans can embrace diversity and put faith in candidates of all races. As a college student majoring in political science, I can only hope for the day that things will change and people from my heritage can be a voice to be heard in the community.

Well done Monica!
It is quite unfortunate that most "fortunate" people do not realize that in order to be a leader people need their basic human necessities covered (ie food, shelter and education). Since most of the "fortunate" people do not realize for the "unfortunate" it is a daily struggle to keep a roof over their heads, a plate of food and enough money to pay the rent on a regular basis, they assume everyone else should be able to pay US$1000 per college class or the outrageous added extras that accompany a college education!! It is sad to think that by saying: stop speaking other languages! or go back to your country (because we are so afraid of you) they will solve this very complex issue of world unjustices that have made this country so rich at the expense of many other countries which now have nothing to offer to their people, so they will come at whatever the cost to their families, their lives, their expectations. After all this immigrants are also human beings who do not like to play with their lives, they are just surviving in whatever way they can and as world poverty increases, there will be more of them.

20 years ago I worked on race tracks. I rubed 3 horses for 65.00- 100.00 per head a week plus 1 % on wins. Not bad back then. We lived in tack rooms [12x12 rooms] to be close to our horses. It was all Black & White back then.We worked 7 days a week all day long. We took pride in our horses & in our abilitys as grooms. We had value. Value to ourselfs & value to our trainers.
Children wer'nt aloud on the backstrech & rightly so. It's no place for them. Trainers demanded the best for the money & they got it or down the road you went! Then the illegals [ & they are mostly] came. They were willing to do twice the work for half the money. We all spent years getting wages up to a desent level, but in the blink of an eye, it was all gone.
All the great trainers are gone. The best grooms have quit. Children now live in those same 12x12 rooms. The illegals are whining there not making enought money & the trainers are whining they can't get good help.
I have no pity for either. The illegals cut us out of our jobs & the trainers got what they payed for.
I do feel for the children who are living in those boxstalls. Playing in urine puddles. Seen that with my own eyes. Changing schools 2 & 3 times a year.
If these people were legal, none of this would be possible. But there not. So employers can continue to use & abuse.
So I ask the hispanic commuity. Is it worth not going thru the trouble of getting legal? For the sake of your children, please, please, get legal.

What I find amazing, is lack of understanding of what occurs in not only latin countries, but the Middle East, Russia, Africa etc.
I am a Colombian and an American Citizen. I can stand here and agree with controversies concerning the land I live on and the above criticism of immigrants crossing our boarders.
Yet, these criticisms coming everyone's mouth are made from your safety of your home. Place yourself in these countries-and let's see where you would run to.
Although I grew up in the US all my life, I haven't forgotten about helping the unfortunate. Yes, I agree, many Hispanics, Latinos whatever are misconducting doing illegal things, selling drugs, killing etc. I do agree this should be stopped. Yet, Hispanics are the only ones being targeted as culprits of these acts. Do we forget about the every day killings, shootings, burglary, and drug trafficking done by another race?
If people have such issues with immigrants coming in-and I do agree that they should enter in a legal way just as I did when I was 3-then assist should be offered since most immigrants don't know how to properly start on the path of obtaining a residency or citizenship.
In order to prevent just influx of migrates from the boarders below, we must unite to educate and assist those suffering under hard dictatorship how to take the proper path here.
When you start hurling hurtful words against a race, I ask you to reflect back on past historical moments when Jews and Blacks were attacked. Presently, anyone with a Middle Eastern background is looked upon with disdain.
This exudes your ignorance.
USA's monetary flow comes from international trade and imports from southern countries.
I recently have attended various Hispanic Chambers of Commerce meeting even at the UN and I walk amaze at what good these Hispanic leaders are doing to improve business amongst Hispanic countries and the US. They do not just advocate for the Hispanic race-many members of the directory or board members are Caucasian, black, and European.
If we educate the HIspanic youth to emerge as succesful beings who will proudly stand on US soil with both native and US flags in hand, then unity in the US has finally occurred.