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This was a good blog post by Juan Tornoe, a writer, marketing consultant and all around trend watcher… brilliant guy.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/23/are-the-candidates-reaching-hispanic-americans/

The article is about what matters to Latino/Hispanic American voters, Are the candidates reaching them, etc? Juan does a great job of breaking down some of the issues and dispelling some misconceptions as well.

My thoughts are that our values are about family and our future. The economy worries us (especially this week and last week), the war worries us and immigration bothers us but he’s right, immigration is not necessarily at the top.

The important thing is for Latinos to make an informed choice, exercise our right as citizens, lest our voting rights be outsourced to India (just kidding about that last one).

Freedom is not cheap or free… the sacrifices made weren’t only by those serving overseas but also by those striving for basic equal freedoms here. Many Latinos (as well as Blacks, Native Americans and other groups) have been denied and have fought for those rights which include equality and dignity. It doesn’t matter what your socio-economic standing is at this point in your life, it’s about the future and your family’s future.

So, for Latnos in urban concentrations, rural areas, borderlands, reservations and so on, here’s a chance to continue to exercise and honor our rights. Don’t let assumptions be made for you. Don’t let political parties treat you like day laborers who are only needed when something specific has to be done- plant a tree, dig a hole, elect a politician, etc.

Sometimes the powers that be think they have to pull us away from napping against a saguaro. Personally, I can’t recall ever having napped against one. I’m not sure I’d tell anyone to try it though.

Wake up! Despierta!

Be informed and vote…que más esperas?

I really believe that if we don’t exercise these rights you mention, then we as a population deserve what we get. It’s time, even more-so now, to make sure our votes and our voices are heard.

It still amazes me that here in the U.S. despite the way people criticize and second guess elected officials, many in the population still do not register to vote, or if registered, make the effort to get out and vote. We do live in a country where every vote, every voice counts and will be counted. Many countries in the world are not so fortunate.

I couldn’t agree more. I hate to say it but you’re right- if we don’t vote and demand change then we deserve what we get. Unfortunately, disillusionment, apathy and general laziness seem to speak for us.

Let’s change this entire chingadera!