Latino Issues, A Conservative Blog

Hugh wrote a good article on World Magazine. I would love to see these movies, on the condition that they stick to the facts and stick to honoring our soldiers. Now, here is an idea for an independent film: The Battle of the Bay of Pigs. I know the media won't touch it, but maybe the controversy strategy would work. After all, a reveal of how Kennedy betrayed American soldiers and freedom fighters would be controversial. Or, how about a movie about the Cuban missile crisis, from the perspective of our Cuban men that risked their lives to gather intelligence on what Castro was doing? These would be awesome, good old fashioned, heroic movies! The summer of '05 continues to be one big stretch of quicksand for Hollywood, as picture after picture disappoints then disappears. Dreamworks' The Island (see " Movie review: The Island "), which cost $124 million, opened to a dismal $12.1 million box office on a weekend that saw all movies in theaters gross 9 percent less

I guess these women's ideas of privacy and their own interpretation of the law is more important than the faithful adherence to the Constitution. What I want to know is why all these Senators seem to think they know more about the Constitution than John Roberts--one of the sharpest legal minds and a Constitutional expert? Washington,DC (LifeNews.com) -- Seven Democratic women senators on Thursday held a press conference to announce they will press for members of the Judiciary Committee to ask Supreme Court nominee John Roberts to specifically address his views on the issue of abortion. They also pledged to vote against Roberts if he doesn't back Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized unlimited abortion throughout pregnancy. "I want to hear a nominee say that the [right to privacy] is the basis for their philosophy," pro-abortion Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell said. "If an individual says that, then I will be convinced that they truly beli

I have to say I am surprised by Political Teens comments against a Bolton appointment. I absolutely do not agree. We are a federation for the exact reason the founding fathers intended--so we would not be ruled by the mob. President Bush was elected, and with that electoral victory came the expectations and trust of the people in him to execute his job accordingly. It is why Kerry did not win--he cannot be trusted to make the right choices in tough times. Bush's ratings are low because the media has years of experience in manipulating popular opinion, and continue to miss-characterize the war on terror, Iraq, the economy, and so much more. It is unfortunate that our population does not have the wisdom and discerning to see through the lies. Some do and go elsewhere for their news and information--blogs, radio, etc. It's not about approval ratings, Ian. An appointment would make a statement of Bush's determination to be a leader and his confidence in Bolton for the UN. Bolt

The White House was really behind this one! Regardless of who directly or indirectly benefits, I do have to agree that this sort of partnership increases US influence in the region. With the rise of Chavez and Castro, and instability in South America, this is important. The timing could not have been better. The idea is to go in and shore up the economy in the region BEFORE tyrants start taking over and making things worst. Check out the White House list of benefits of CAFTA . We have seen how increased trade with China has opened the population to freedom, the benefits of Internet infrastructure, and more. Let's bring that to Central America, and show the region what is possible with hard work. I agree: CAFTA will "Promote Freedom And Democracy And Expand Economic Opportunity And Security In Our Hemisphere." This also from President Bush on CAFTA . President Proud of House Action to Pass CAFTA-DR Agreement I am proud that the House of Representatives has acted to advance

By Josue Sierra The Peruvian government just approved Law #28542, "“The Law to Strengthen the Family." You can read the original legislation text in Spanish here . Sources indicate that the Peruvian church was involved in lobbying the government in this effort. The goal of the new legislation is to promote and strength the family as the foundation for society. It includes provisions for programs for judges, teachers, policemen, doctors and medical professionals, among others, to teach them how to strengthen families, a school for parents to teach moms and dads how to be effective in raising their children,and the promotion of family values and principles through educational and mass media materials. This is great news for Peru, and for South America. It is good to see people of faith in Peru getting involved in their government process. Latino's do not usually have a lot of faith in government or the political process, leaving it mostly to corruption. It is good to see go

I found this interesting . It brings up some of the concerns expressed here by Aaron, but at the same time, Bishop identifies some key aspects that made it compelling--mainly the foreign policy aspect of CAFTA. As I have said, not being a lawyer makes it dificult for me to understand the intricacies of this legislation, but it is my hope it does what it has been promised to do. "This is a referendum on our foreign policy more than it is on our free trade," Bishop said in a prepared statement Thursday. Bishop was joined with a yea vote by his Utah House colleagues, representatives Chris Cannon, also a Republican, and Democrat Jim Matheson. The two-page statement outlined Bishop's concerns about the trade agreement and his belief that the agreement is also a fight against communism in Central America controlled by Cuba's Fidel Castro and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. "No other potential trade agreement will have an anti-communist com

I am half way through Humberto Fontova's book, Fidel: Hollywood's Favorite Tyrant. I have to say it has been an eye-opener. It's not so much what Castro has done, but the extent that the American elite and MSM has gone in painting a romantic picture of Fidel. I am deeply saddened by what I have learned of the Cuba of my father and the Cuba of my grandfather, when I consider the pictures, the stories, and the suffering of the Cuba of today--what is left of it. It is the kind of tears that do not come through the eyes, but those that collect in that deepest part of my heart. While I don't find Fontova's literary style incredibly captivating, he does present a strong collection of evidence that convicts. My only complaint is that at times, it seems like his anger and frustration clouds his intellect--then again, it is understandable. The one big lesson: Kennedy was worst than Clinton! Could this even be possible? The betrayal, cowardice, and lack of leadership of the K

Business 2.0 has a great story on how Central and South America are becoming the next India for American corporations. This is great news. This should spur the Latin communities to improve their undergraduate and graduate education, specially in technology and sciences. economically, it will have a great impact, as is evident in India. What I look forward to is Latinos being on the cutting edge of innovation in their home countries. With its beaches, golf courses, cuba libres, and rock-solid social-security system, it's no wonder that Costa Rica is luring American executives who want an alternative to Indian outsourcing . After sending thousands of technology and call-center jobs to India and the Philippines, major U.S. companies including Dell ( DELL ) and Procter & Gamble ( PG ) are now looking to Latin America to meet their outsourcing -- or rather, "nearsourcing" -- needs. Like India before them, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, and especially Costa Rica are embraci

From Citizenlink.org : "How often do we hear that our founding compact needs to be a living, breathing document whose meaning changes with the times? Never mind what the words of our Constitution actually say; never mind the clear intent of the Constitution's writers and signers; never mind two hundred years of judicial interpretation; never mind the centuries-old wisdom of the common law: We are much wiser today than our predecessors. Or so goes the liberal boast. In fact, it is said, we are now able to see just what they were 'getting at' even better than they could -- as if the U.S. Constitution were only a 'nice try' at a plan of government." --Sen. Rick Santorum

From Marketing & Medios : Good to see ESPN doing more to provide valuable content to Latinos, as well as leverage the love for sports among Latinos. Hopefully, this means greater exposure for Latino athletes. The first issue of Editorial Televisa's ESPN Deportes La Revista hits newsstands this week, with a cover featuring NBA's Emanuel Ginobili, a.k.a. Manu, an Argentine forward for the San Antonio Spurs. A popular player and spokesman for Gatorade in Argentina, Ginobili is well known in the San Antonio area.. The magazine is part of a branded, Spanish-language effort by Televisa and Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN Enterprises to target Spanish-speaking sports fans in the U.S. Other ESPN Deportes-branded initiatives include ESPN Deportes Television, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN Deportes.com, and ESPN Deportes Wireless, a streaming content program available to subscribers on mobile devices. The magazine's target demographic is Hispanic males ages 18 to 34. Though the initial cir

Hugh Hewitt has been ranting on Tancredo's words on bombing Meca. I like how Jeff Goldstein puts it into words. I have to agree more with Goldstein, than Hewitt. I called in to Hugh's show, and my comments where that I think sometimes evangelicals who go into politics confuse the role of the church, the role of the individual, and the role of government. While as an individual, I may find the Muslim religion deplorable, and I do believe it is a violent religion, the government's role and communication may need to be different. Then again, I do think the government needs to keep their options open and the Muslim community needs to know that if they do not take a stand against extremist violent Muslims, they will also suffer repercussions. It is inevitable, regardless of what the US might or might not do. Here is what Hugh said : I want to be very clear on this. No responsible American can endorse the idea that the U.S. is in a war with Islam. That is repugnant and wrong, and

This is good to see. Enforcement!! The AP Wire is reporting on a RICO lawsuit brought against these four companies, and a nonprofit. BOISE, Idaho - Four major agricultural companies and a nonprofit organization were sued Wednesday by an Idaho county that accused them of conspiring to hire and harbor illegal immigrants. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court contends the four companies - Syngenta Seeds, Sorrento Lactalis, Swift Beef Co. and Harris Moran Seed Co. - and the nonprofit Idaho Migrant Council - have violated the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which was designed to target the mafia. Syngenta Seeds is based in Golden Valley, Minn. Canyon County in southwestern Idaho alleges the businesses are hurting the county by taking part in an "illegal immigrant hiring scheme," and that the undocumented workers use county resources such as indigent medical care, jails and schools. The lawsuit marks the first time a government entity has used RIC

What I want to know is when is the US going to start doing more to promote Democracy in Central and South America. Democracy is hardly democracy when elections are rife with corruption. Democracy is hardly democracy when elected officials abuse the frustrations of the underclass to restrict journalism and manipulate the courts. These are the sort of things happening in countries like Venezuela. Even in more stable nations like Honduras, journalists are bribed, major pubications are owned by presidential candidates, and businesses face huge government barriers born out of corruption and unethical and dubious monopolies. This from Greg Flakus at VOA : As Karen Hughes, the incoming undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, begins the task of trying to improve the U.S. image abroad, one area of concern is Latin America. Relations with most countries in this region have been close and friendly, but there are some challenges emerging. Listen to Flakus report Tagged: News , Polit

Where are the privacy advocates when you need them ? I don't hear the ACLU asking questions? I am not saying this is bad, or good--I don't know all the facts--but its interesting that when it's a liberal organization developing a tracking database, the left stays silent. I personally would not want to be in a NCLR database, regardless of how pretty they paint the picture of all the good things they do. REDMOND, Wash., July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) unveiled an exclusive Web-based client-tracking database designed to help a network of more than 300 community-based organizations optimize their services for underserved Hispanic communities. The system, called National Council of La Raza Affiliate Client-Tracking System (NCLR ACTS), will help community-based organizations better utilize limited resources for client-service delivery by minimizing paperwork associated with the client intake and interview process. NCLR

From Hispanic Business: WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Commenting on the passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR), Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the Food Products Association (FPA), made the following remarks: "The Food Products Association applauds the House for approving CAFTA-DR. This historic Agreement will provide new market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products, including processed foods and beverages. The countries in the CAFTA-DR region are truly a ready-made market for our country's food exports. "In addition to the positive economic benefits of CAFTA-DR for the U.S. food products industry, the agreement also establishes a forum for addressing technical and sanitary concerns, which will help ensure the safety of food products in international trade. Moreover, CAFTA-DR will foster economic stability and regional cooperation. "FPA has actively worked for p

RedState.org has some good comments on CAFTA. The Republicans and a few brave Democrats have voted to extend a pro-market, pro-growth trade deal to Central American nations. CAFTA passed by a 217-215 margin in the House which is always more prone to protectionist tendencies than the Senate. Read the rest . Here is the list of Demcorats who voted yea. Latinos make note. These are the only Democrats that actually did something to change Central America's future. Roll Call: Bean Cooper Cuellar Dicks Hinojosa Jefferson Matheson Meeks (NY) Ortiz Skelton Snyder Tanner Towns I have to agree with Adam C. Kudos to those Democrats who put the country ahead of their party's leadership. It reassuring to see that party doesn't always trump nation to these Democrats Tagged: cafta

Hugh Hewitt has some suggestions for Washington State residents. First, defeat Washington State's Maria Cantwell and other incumbent Dems in the United States Senate who have obstructed George W. Bush's nominees to the bench. (Dino Rossi, are you listening? Please run.) Yes, this judge was an early Reagan mistake --quite obviously a gimme to a GOP Senator, and an example of how not to conduct judicial appointments. But this president isn't making those sorts of mistakes. You can start with a contribution to Congressman Mark Kennedy, Republican candidate for the open Senate seat in MN. Then, if you are feeling the need to make a symbolic statement concerning the judge's absurd decision and even worse reasoning, send an umbrella, the universal symbol of appeasement, to Judge Coughenour, c/o The United States Federal Courthouse, Seattle, Washington. Maybe he will get five of Chamberlain's props , maybe 50. But each time an umbrella arrives he will k

So CAFTA passed. One thing that gives me confidence in CAFTA is the overwhelming opposition to CAFTA by the Democrats. They can be so predictable sometimes. I am no lawyer, so I don't know the specifics of this one, but let it be clear--I am all for free trade and removed barriers and tariffs. If this is what CAFTA does, today is a day to celebrate for Central America. WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives narrowly approved a controversial trade deal with Central America early today, handing Silicon Valley's high-tech industry and President Bush a major victory after weeks of intense lobbying and deal-making. Despite that support and the relatively small size of the market, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA, struggled to pass in the House, 217-215. The GOP leadership extended the normal 15-minute voting period to an hour as it lobbied for support. The pact passed in the Senate, 54-45, on June 30. More than 90 percent of House Democrats voted against

Blogging can be very consuming. So, tonight I will be trying to be a good conservative, and will be spending time with my wife, wash the dishes for her, and help out in any way I can. I should comment: I enjoy being married. It is tons of hard work, sacrifice, and humility--sometimes this is no fun. But, the rewards are well worth it. I am a million times a better man because of my wife. Of course, there is great reward, strength, and security in the companionship and intimacy of being married to one woman, forever. Unlike recent trends, we did swear "till death do us part" and we fully intend to keep our word, so help me God. Look around at old posts, get into a discussion, and enjoy the read. I'll be back with more comments and news tomorrow. Good Evening.

Aaron, a reader, posted some comments I found compelling. Like he said, unfortunately, legislations can be horribly long-winded and difficult to understand for someone without a legal background, as myself. Are there any lawyers among my readers who would respond or comment on CAFTA and clarify? See my comments on your earlier post. CAFTA is not so much about reducing tariffs as it is about corporate welfare. As a conservative, I assume you are against welfare. If you are a free trader, then you really should be concerned with CAFTA, which has all sorts of protectionist provisions woven in. Further, as a Latino, you should be concerned about how NAFTA has inflicted severe hardships on Mexico, which has seen poverty rates grow from 43% just prior to NAFTA to 70% today. This in turn has led illegal immigration from Mexico to skyrocket since the enactment of NAFTA. The impact on Central Americans will be even worse (unless, of course, you are a lucky member of the incestuous business elit

Welcome to LatinoPundit.com readers visiting for the first time. Thanks for checking my blog out. Look around, and come back often. - Josue

I have to agree with Political Teen on this one. I hope that it reflects come 2006 with huge loses for the Democrats. I would like to see Bolton receive a nomination from the Senate, however the Democrats will not allow it. It is a shame that President Bush has to do this because a selected few just won'’t let go of partisan politics. It is evident that to the Democrats, ideology and partisan battles are more important than the Constitution, the president's right to nominate his ambassador, and the will of the voters who elected him. Memo to the Democrats: You lost the election. Deal with it! Ambassador Bolton, go kick some UN butt!

The Associated Press is reporting the release of 23 more dissidents. There are still 10 being held against their will. This is Castro's Cuba. HAVANA · Cuban authorities have freed 23 dissidents detained last week, a leading human rights activist said Monday. In all, 33 people were detained Friday. Some were released Saturday. The dissidents had planned to attend a protest outside the French Embassy to press European nations to lobby for Cuban political prisoners. Among the 10 still jailed is René Gómez Manzano, the dissident attorney who was an organizer of a mass meeting of opposition members earlier this year. Martha Beatriz Roque, a top Cuban opposition leader known internationally for her organization of a mass meeting of dissidents here in May, was released. Cuba's government has not commented on Friday's roundup of dissidents. The detentions were criticized Saturday by the U.S. State Department.

Liberal Malcontents wrote : CAFTA fails to ensure that workers in the participating countries have the rights to organize and bargain collectively, earn a living wage or even prevent child labor. Well, what about starvation, poverty, lack of opportunities in the first place, or the ability to earn a living--whatever it might be? What do you know of third world countries, where people just want to be able to live. Most are barely surviving. CAFTA will stimulate their economies of Central American countries. As far as losing jobs here in the US, you would instead advocate higher prices at the register? You would advocate tariffs to protect our inefficient industries that refuse to innovate at the expense of the US tax payer? That's called socialism, and history has proven that it benefits no one! So, yes, do call your house rep, and tell them to vote YES on CAFTA and make a real difference in the lives of millions of impoverished latinos. Tell them to vote yes, and contribute to the

In case you think you have to be a conservative to support CAFTA, think again. This is good for the poor, and like I wrote earlier, it will help protect labor in third world countries. What else could a liberal want? Great opinion piece in favor of CAFTA by the NYTimes of all newspapers: http://www.iht.com/articles/2005...ion/ edtrade.php Read the facts about CAFTA before you comment on it. These are some links I can suggest: From the government: (A lot of supporting documentation) http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/CAFT...AFTA/ cafta.html Read the full text and fact sheets: http://ita.doc.gov/cafta/index.asp

Jennifer Lopez, Thalia, Salma Hayek and Paulina Rubio are the top four Hispanic female celebrities who influence the fashion and style of Hispanics, according to a recently released research report from Synovate, which was commissioned by People en Españo l. According to the report, called "Hispanic Opinion Tracker," Hispanics love to shop, and are spending almost twice as much per capita as the general population on clothing and accessories. The study also found that Hispanics are much more likely to pay cash (75% of those polled.) According to the report, only about 15% use credit cards, compared to over 40% for the general market. This year the "HOT" study took a deeper dive into specific consumer behaviors, focusing on such top advertising sectors as beauty, retail, fashion, automotive, food and health. Other key findings include: Hispanics spent on average $1,992 on clothing and accessories in the last 12 months, compared to $1,153 for the general populat

MultiChannel.com is reporting on the ongoing feud between Televisa and Univision. My sources inside Univision tell me it really all started with a petty fight by Televisa, because they felt they where not being treated like partners and where not consulted on a decision. That's how it all started. Tension between Univision Communications Inc. and Mexican programming partner Grupo Televisa SA, continues to mount. Televisa — which owns 9.3% of the Univision — has added new charges to a lawsuit against Univision, claiming the U.S. network violated the terms of its programming contract. Televisa executive VP Alfonso de Angoitia told analysts during the network's second- quarter report conference call that Televisa has added two claims to its $1.5 million lawsuit filed in May over allegedly unpaid back royalties, according to Philip Remek, an analyst at Guzman & Co. De Angoitia said Univision had altered programs "in ways not permitted" by an agreement over rebroadcast

Great story linked by Right Wing Nation : BAGHDAD: A total of 147 foreign-born US military personnel serving in Iraq gathered inside a former Saddam Hussein palace Monday to be granted US citizenship. In a mass ceremony the soldiers, sailors, and airmen, along with one marine and a navy medic, simultaneously raised their right hands and swore to "support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Those sworn in as US citizens came from 46 countries, with the single largest group born in Mexico (27), followed by the Philippines (15), Jamaica (nine) and Nicaragua (eight) and Nigeria (five).

JR Briggs is a pastor at Pierced Chapel in Colorado Springs, CO. I have been at services a lot, and the community there at Pierced is amazing. If you want to know more about what a Church should or could be doing in their cities, read it here from someone who is moving in that direction. what if the churches and para-churches which saturate this city stepped up and got involved? How might this city look differently? (He mentioned that the mayor of Miami has 1,200 faith-based churches and organizations that are actively involved and partnering with the mayor's office to help the city...unbelievable. What if we did that?) Pierced is going to step up and get involved... ...I wonder if in the midst of our excitement for how churches are growing, if our hearts are breaking with the thousands of other people who are not involved in our churches, or more importantly, involved in a life-altering, category-shattering relationship with the risen savior. Does my heart for the lost brea

Great suggestions on what politicians SHOULD be doing for American labor. Say yes to CAFTA, say no to protectionist policies that stick-it to the American tax payer. If Republicans and Democrats really want to help American workers compete in a global economy, they should be looking elsewhere, to retraining. The textile industry has long been one of the most protected in America. Tariffs on clothing bring in close to half of all tariff revenues per year, while those imports account for only about 6 percent of total imports. Despite all that protection, textile jobs have steadily disappeared. Instead of trying to turn back time, politicians in Washington should be following the very good example being set by Governor Mark Warner of Virginia. Seeking to stem the job hemorrhage in rural southern Virginia as the region's textile plants were shuttered, Warner started creating one-stop worker-assistance storefronts in depressed rural towns in 2002. Beyond helping laid-off workers naviga

Took him long enough ! Congressional aids are telling Reuters that the accouncement could come as early as Friday night, immediately after the Senate is scheduled to adjourn for the monthlong August break. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House signaled on Monday that President Bush may bypass the Senate and appoint John Bolton, his embattled nominee for U.N. ambassador, to the post temporarily as hope faded for a Senate vote on the nomination. UPDATE: On my expression, "Took him long enough" as a reader commented, his appointment could not be possible until after the Senate adjourns. Of course, this is correct, but in part, I was mearly expressing frustration at the constant obstruction by the Senate. Just wait until 2006!!

The way Lance has won six Tours makes the rest of us look more average than we are. It's embarrassing. Former teammate Levi Leipheimer, on Lance Armstrong's dominating the Tour de France, ESPN the Magazine 7.05

There is no freedom of choice --I have said this way to many times. According to a LifeNews.com report, Sen. Dick Durbin told NBC's "Meet the Press" that if Supreme Court nominee John Roberts doesn't recognize a right to abortion during questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee, Roberts would "disqualify" himself from getting Durbin's vote. Asked if President Bush had the same right to appoint pro-life justices that former President Clinton had to appoint abortion advocates, Durbin insisted, "I'm not looking for a litmus test." So, what do you call that? A Lemon test? However, asked what he would do if Roberts said he did not find a right to abortion in the Constitution, Durbin told "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert, "I wouldn't vote for him. That would disqualify him in my mind." So, now Durbin knows more about what is in the Constitution and how to interpret? How about this--read it, look up the big words in th

The more reason to wish he was running for President , but you have to give the man credit for showing character and having his priorities straight. The Pennsylvania conservative, who recently wrote a book titled "It Takes a Family," said he couldn't imagine putting his family through another campaign after his re-election bid in 2006. Recent state polls show Democrat Bob Casey Jr. leading the two-term incumbent. "I have six children ages 4-14. And the idea of coming off a race of the intensity that I am engaged in at this point and turning around and running another two-year campaign for president is not something that I believe is in the best interest of my family," Santorum said in an online interview with The Washington Post.

What a mess. Does anyone know where I can get more facts on this? I hope this judge is not just trying to drag the CIA in the mud as part of this "the US is evil" mindset. EL PASO, Texas, July 25 (Reuters) - A U.S. immigration judge denied bail on Monday for an asylum-seeking former CIA operative from Cuba and asked for legal briefs on whether his role in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion was a terrorist act. Lawyers for Luis Posada Carriles called the request "surprising" because they said if Posada is found to have engaged in terrorism, it would imply the CIA did also. The CIA backed the ill-fated attempt by 1,300 Cuban exiles, armed with U.S. weapons, to topple Cuban leader Fidel Castro after landing at the bay on Cuba's southern coast. Posada, 77, has admitted working against Castro and earlier told reporters he was involved in the Bay of Pigs operation, but his lawyers said he was not in the actual invasion.

Go USA! FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter (left) presented the Gold Cup trophy to U.S. National team members, goalkeeper Casey Keller (right) and defender Greg Vanney (far right). The U.S. defeated Panama in a scoreless final Gold Cup match, 3-1 onpenalty kicks.

Who can figure them out! Now they are for the underdog, now they are not. Now they support our troops, now they are against the war. If CAFTA does not pass, we are putting our country at further risk of this never-ending flow of illegal immigrants, and giving Marxist leadership a foot up in their battle to regain control in the region. THE HOUSE is getting ready to vote on the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), a deal that would bind the five nations of Central America plus the Dominican Republic to the U.S. economy. From a commercial standpoint, it's curious that most Democrats in the House resist the agreement: 80 percent of Central American exports already enter the United States without tariffs, so the main effect of the deal will be to open the region to U.S. products. But the political argument for CAFTA is at least as compelling. While the United States has been focusing on terrorism, a new challenge has been brewing in its own hemisphere. House members should

That is really all that can be said-- what a joke . Specially considering the repressions and arrests of dissidents in the last few days. What sort of freedom of press do you think can be expected from these two idiots? Propaganda --that's what! Cuba hasn't seen any semblance of freedom of the press or freedom of expression since the early 1960s, and Castro last year rounded up a group of 75 independent journalists and sentenced them to prison terms of up to 28 years. Chavez hasn't gone that far but has enacted ominous laws that penalize media outlets that "offend or show disrespect for the president" or propagate information that might "cause panic or anxiety" among the people. More recently he decreed that half the music aired on radio must be of Venezuelan origin. Ciao, Britney Spears. Yet, on Sunday, Telesur, a new regional Latin American television network modeled after the wildly successful al-Jazeera makes its debut from studios in Caracas. Venezu

I don't know what the evidence is, or the facts of this case , but I am all for exposing potential corruption. Knowing how things usually work in Latin America, I would tend to think corruption is probably happening. It's good to know that these elected officials are doing their job, and holding Fox accountable. Maybe then their economy can improve, and they can start providing better opportunities for their own people, instead of encouraging illegal immigration. Mexican President Vicente Fox berated a trio of legislators for verbally attacking his wife and family, El Universal reported Monday. Fox said that congresswomen Martha Lucia Micher, Victoria Eugenia Mendez and Yolanda Gonzalez were wasting the public's time and that they "should dedicate themselves to doing what they are supposed to do, and what they are paid to do." The three lawmakers have accused Mexican first lady Marta Sahagun of overspending taxpayer money on clothing and for using her influence o

From WorldMagBlog : Two schools in San Bernadino, CA, will participate in a pilot program that incorporates "ebonics" into classroom curricula, the San Bernadino Sun reported last week. The program, school officials say, targets black students, the lowest-achieving group in the district. "Ebonics is a different language, it's not slang as many believe," said Mary Texeira, a Cal State sociology professor who thinks the program is a good idea. "For many of these students Ebonics is their language, and it should be considered a foreign language. These students should be taught like other students who speak a foreign language." Some black activists disagree. The National Leadership Network of Conservative African-Americans (NLNCA) this week blasted the program in a statement . "This is a disservice to the black community that will severely limit our children's skills in the job market," said Kevin Martin of Project 21, a non-pr

I'm glad to read that the US is urging other countries to join in condemning these acts . Perhaps they should look into better enforcement of the embargo that keeps Castro in power. For those who may claim the embargo is killing the Cuban people, get real. The only one that would benefit from a lifting of the embargo would be Castro himself. Nothing would change for the people. The added attention is good for the cause, and reveals Castro's true nature--a power-hungry, maniacal dictator living in his very own fantasy land at the expense of the people. Let us all hope this is the beginning of the end. Concern is mounting in America over the fate of 15 Cuban dissidents jailed during a crackdown this weekend on opposition leaders by the island's communist strongman, Fidel Castro. Among the detained are leaders of the historic May 20 pro-democracy gathering in Havana, and some Cuban-American leaders in Washington said yesterday that their imprisonment was evidence that tension

Dr. James Dobson is extending an invitation through a Focus Action email to a radio discussion on the John Roberts nomination tomorrow. It should be interesting and informative as far as what is on the mind of these evangelical conservative leaders. The email, in part, reads: Let me also invite you to tune in to our daily radio broadcast on Tuesday, July 26, when I will discuss the nomination of Judge Roberts with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and Princeton University law professor Robert George. You can hear the broadcast online or through your podcast software at oneplace.com at http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/. If any of my readers hear the program, I would love to get your comments on it. This also from that same email from Dr. James Dobson. Of course, no one can discern with perfect accuracy what lies in the heart - and specifically the philosophy and beliefs - of this nominee. It will not be until future decisions are handed down by the Su

Interesting research by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Hopefully, this helps dispel racial stereotypes about immigrants. It does not change anything as far as I am concerned in regards to illegal immigration. It does affirm the fact that our economy needs immigrants, and the government should be looking for ways to make it easier to allow educated and hard working immigrants seek work in our country in a legal and secure way. Unauthorized Migrants: Numbers and Characteristics June 2005 "Unauthorized Migrants: Numbers and Characteristics," a new report by the Pew Hispanic Center counters the stereotype of undocumented migrants as single males with very little education who perform manual labor in agriculture or construction. The study shows that most of the unauthorized population lives in families, a quarter has at least some college education and that illegal workers can be found in many sectors of the U.S. economy. Building on previous work that estim

As usual, Dean is all talk , but I don't see the Democratic party doing any better at coming up with real solutions to the illegal immigration problem and the many other problems that arise from that? And don't tell me more welfare, and free money is a solution. Throwing more money at a problem does not solve anything. If immigration becomes a subject for the 2006 elections it will be because it is a major problem. Security, economic prosperity, and equal opportunities under the guidance of the law are values that we all have in common--including law-abiding, voting Latinos. So, bring it on. We are not afraid of talking about the subject. Let's propose real solutions. PHILADELPHIA -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean predicted Tuesday that the Republican Party will scapegoat immigrants in the 2006 election. In a speech to an influential Hispanic organization, Dean said that Republican-sponsored immigration legislation and escalating rhetoric on the issue a

What are you worried about Sen Kerry ? Actually, I understand. After all, Lance Armstrong has all the characteristics Kerry lacks--focus, discipline, intelligence, strategic abilities, and endurance. Oh, also, he worked for what he has achieved, and earned his money. Most importantly, Armstrong actually knows how to win. Of course, if Armstrong is going to win, I would expect him to run on the Republican party. But, then again, he is a democrat, and democrats don't win elections. Perhaps Armstrong would best stick to athletics and what he knows best. AINT-ETIENNE, France -- Sen. John Kerry thinks Lance Armstrong would make a terrific politician _ but fears he'd be running for the other party. Watching Armstrong during his warmup for Saturday's time trial, the Democrat from Massachusetts listed the Texan's winning qualities. "What's made him so special at the Tour de France, and as an athlete, is the level of focus, discipline, intelligence, strategic ability,

The primary victims here are the women that are not well-informed . Of course, one cannot expect Planned Parenthood to properly inform women of the dangers of the abortion pill. That would be bad for business. Like I have written before, what ever happened to freedom of choice? The problem is that the denial of necessary information--the lack of freedom to choose--in this case can result in death. Thank goodness for the warning labels, but I think it is to little to late. LOS ANGELES - Federal health investigators are baffled: Why have four California women died from a bloodstream infection after using a controversial abortion pill? "On the surface, this appears unusual," said Dr. Marc Fischer, a medical epidemiologist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. "That's why we're investigating." Two of the deaths -- one this year and one last year -- were reported last week by the Food and Drug Administration. The other two deaths o

It's good to see that the administration is thinking way ahead in this Suprem Court nomination. Barring any surprises, let us hope that Roberts is a steady justice and that he doesn't evolve and move to the left in the years to come. This is a great article from the Weekly Standard that sheds light on the interview process and the issues the president was focusing on. IN THE DAYS BEFORE PRESIDENT Bush picked a Supreme Court nominee, the White House was gripped by Souter-phobia. Bush and his aides desperately wanted to avert the disaster that befell his father's White House in 1990. The elder Bush, on the advice of his chief of staff John Sununu and Senator Warren Rudman of New Hampshire, picked an unknown judge, David Souter, for the Supreme Court, thinking he was a conservative. Souter turned out to be a flaming liberal, so much so that Senator Ted Kennedy now regrets having voted against confirming him. In naming Souter, Bush had passed over another judge he'd intervi

This guy lies through his teeth and expects the world to take his word at face value? When the government owns 51% of the network, how are we expected to believe that the network will report fairly and without bias on crimes committed by the Chavez regime? Of course it depends on governments. I am not sure what sort of unity Chavez speaks of, but if its the same sort of unity that stifles protests, and fosters violence against any who might disagree with his point of view, beware! This is not unity, it is Stalinist control. Chavez is perhaps a bit more sophisticated than his communist predecessors in that he is being smart by using the media. Let's hope and pray our South American people are smarter than that, and that they ultimately choose freedom, democracy, and security that comes from hard work and individual responsibility. Caracas - Telesur, the 24-hour television network created by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to counter the "hegemony" of international netwo

From mydailynews.com . These are crazy times we are living. We must fight back, and fight hard, so that our children can live in security and peace. New York was fear city yesterday as heavily armed police swarmed a double-decker bus packed with tourists in Times Square and later shut down Penn Station after an irate passenger said he had a bomb. In a dramatic sign of the city's edginess since the London transit bombings, cops evacuated buildings, shut midtown streets and forced about 60 terrified tourists to march off the double-decker bus, with their hands up, in the heart of Broadway. Cops in riot gear handcuffed a group of apparently harmless South Asian-looking men with British accents after a jittery tour bus worker reported they seemed suspicious. The men were forced to kneel on the sidewalk, with their hands bound behind their backs, between 50th and 51st Sts. in front of the Winter Garden theater on a sunny summer Sunday with the city packed with tourists. "People wer

I go out and make a comment about something I usually don't write about, technology, and on that subject is what I get comments on. So, I guess I have to wait until the morning to check out the new MSN Virtual Earth. Thanks to Mark Law for clarifying the issue on why I couldn't get into Virtual Earth. It made me wonder if Microsoft is keeping a real close eye on the blogsphere and making sure to clarify if anyone says anything about their products. So, do you work for Microsoft Mr. Law? It would actually be sort of eary, but then again, I would do the same if I was them. Good marketing and PR strategy. I would say just make sure your products work. It's always easier that way. MSN Virtual Earth was only up for a short while so we could complete some testing...then we took it down...check it out in the AM (PST)... Mark Law - lead product Mngr, | Email | 07.24.05 - 3:12 pm | #

This is truly a tragic story . I have to ask myself, what else would you expect of a police force that for years have not carried a weapon? I wonder who where these officers that killed Jean Charles, and how long ago had they had weapons training? With the announcement of the re-arming of London bobbies, it would make me nervous. Met Police chief Sir Ian Blair has apologized to the family of the Brazilian man shot dead by police in south London on Friday. He said the death of Jean Charles de Menezes was a "tragedy", but admitted more people could be shot as police hunt suspected suicide bombers. The 27-year-old electrician's family condemned the shooting and said there was no reason to suspect him.

France is trying to save face today by calling for the release of Cuban dissidents. How about they get real, and start putting more pressure on the Castro regime to institute some real reforms towards democracy in the island. Words do nothing in light of the way the French have been turning a blind eye to what Cuba is doing on a daily basis to the Cuban people. PARIS (Reuters) - France on Sunday called for the immediate release of Cuban dissidents rounded up two days ago prior to a planned protest outside the French embassy in Havana. The protest was thwarted and Cuban authorities have released three women including dissident leader Martha Beatriz Roque but continue holding other opponents of President Fidel Castro. "The French authorities are following this situation with the greatest attention so that all those arrested be freed without delay," the French foreign ministry said in a statement. The French are two face. Maybe this is about money, just like the oil-for-food sc

I love being part of making the news ; NEW YORK - J.D. Lasica used to visit 20 to 30 Web sites for his daily fix of news. Now, he's down to three — yet he consumes more news online than ever. Lasica is among a growing breed of information consumers who use the latest Internet technologies to completely bypass the home pages of news sites and jump directly to articles that interest them. He can scan some 200 Web journals and traditional news sites — all without actually going out and visiting them. Online news consumers are increasingly taking charge, getting their news a la carte from a variety of outlets. Rarely do they depend on a single news organization's vision of the day's top stories. "The old idea of surfers coming to your Web site and coming to your front door, that's going away," said Lasica, a former editor at The Sacramento Bee. "People are going to come in through the side window, through the basement, through the attic, anyway they want to.&

These White House keep doing a lot of talking, but I don't see any walking. The greater problem is that these sort of stories running in the media serve as advertisement for illegals. Come soon, come all, and get in so you can benefit from an amnesty! I'm not saying this is what it is, but it sure sounds like it when they don't give a lot of details, do a lot of talking, and I don't see any enforcement of our current laws! Stop playing politics Mr. President. Do your job. The effort is designed to help Bush take control of an increasingly contentious debate that has threatened to split the Republican Party and undermine its outreach to Latino voters. Although the White House has not laid out details for a plan, in January 2004 Bush proposed a guest-worker program that would be open to many illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and to prospective workers abroad. As I have said, fix the legal immigration process first. Make it so the American economy can benefit from al

A third suspect has been arrested, reports the Associated Press . What I want to know is why must the AP feel the need to insert a quote and re-hash the facts of the unfortunate killing of the Brazilian electrician--In the second paragraph! What does that have to do with this story? Is the intent of the AP to intimidate London authorities into returning to a no-weapons policy, and allow terrorists to have their way? Mistakes happen. Repeating the story in this sort of off-hand way boils down to foolish bias, and twisting of the facts just in order to manipulate reader's feelings. It was a horrible mistake. Report the story. But, don't mix things up and try to make the authorities look bad over this. The threat and danger is still real, and the authorities must keep working. LONDON - British police arrested a third man in connection with last week's failed attack against London's transit system and said Sunday they were trying to penetrate what they suspect is an al-Qaid

From Zenit.org : Expressly Asked to Add the Encounter to Agenda LES COMBES, Italy, JULY 24, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is intent on dialoging with Muslim believers during his trip to Cologne for World Youth Day, affirmed the Vatican spokesman. Speaking today from the Alpine village where the Pope is spending his summer vacation, Joaquín Navarro Valls, director of the Vatican press office, disclosed that the Bishop of Rome has expressly asked that a meeting with representatives of the Muslim communities of Cologne be added to the program of his trip to Germany in August. "He really wanted this meeting," Navarro Valls said. "He wanted to introduce it into the trip's program, together with the visit to the synagogue. It is a strong sign. It is a desire to continue the dialogue between the great monotheist religions that make reference to Abraham." "There is a double continuity in this, not only with John Paul II's line, but with that which extends ove