Latino Issues, A Conservative Blog

A site I like to check once in a while is Honduras This Week . While it tends to be a bit left-leaning, I have noticed a great improvement in their stories over the last year. Here are a couple that are of interest, considering what has been happening in the news, and give you a good inside-look at whats happening in Honduras. "A historic occasion." That is how CAFTA negotiators Regina Vargo and Melvin Redondo chose to describe the coming into force of the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement on April 1st.They were two of the speakers at a CAFTA forum organized last Monday by the newspaper El Heraldo and the US Embassy. By Anette Emanuelsson Since I have worked a lot with short term missions, I thought this was interesting . The culture of running short-term missions to under-privileged countries is fast becoming a phenomenon. Estimates suggest that between one and four million people per year -

Today is the first time I read about this story . Anyone else know more? I searched BabaluBlog , but could not find a reference--did I miss something? These are American citizens, which makes me wonder what is the American interest section doing about it? Havana, Cuba, April 7, 2006 (AFP) - This Thursday Cuba accused the Mexican authorities in Quintana Roo of being involved in an aborted human trafficking operation, which left one dead person and another wounded. This reaffirms the reports that there is a complex network that uses Mexico as an illegal bridge to the US. Mexican and Cuban media "have reported the growing human trafficking of Cubans through Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and other places in Quintana Roo to the US," stated an official document released on Thursday by the newspaper "Granna." In that operation, "Cuban-origin 'balseros,' Mexican fishermen, authorities from that Mexican state, and people from the anti-Cuban mafia living there and that h

Hugh Hewitt says this about the left, in response to a Washington Post article : The left has become disfigured because the excess that dominates the lefty blogs is absorbed by rank-and-file activists and encouraged by the Democratic Party leadership, which embraces, posts at and praises the blogs that are among the angriest and most vulgar/profane/hate-filled. The collapse of the left's ability to engage in politics will continue and in fact accelerate unless and until the leaders of the Democratic Party rebuke the party's activist base and its spokesmen, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon. The best thing the GOP has going for it in November, 2006 and in the presidential campaign to follow is the fury of the unhinged left. The vast majority of Americans reject politics of this sort, but there's no hiding what the left has become or the Democrats' endorsement of it. Irrational. Bullies . It's to bad, because it takes away from what could and should be hea

I'm at the in-laws, so I am really going to try to stay away from the blog today. For all the immigration junkies, here is a round up of links provided by Michelle Malkin . Check out blog and great posts on what is going on around the world this Easter weekend. Patterico takes on an open borders propagandist at the Los Angeles Times. Tim Graham takes on the open borders coverage at the Washington Post. Ben Johnson decodes the MSM's immigration doublespeak . The New York Times recycles old news to decry law enforcement officials trying to--gasp!--enforce immigration laws. John O'Sullivan examines "No Illegal Alien Left Behind" politics. I'v been reading up on the Hilton and the Fran O'Brien's story --if you haven't, you must read all about it. Bad PR can come in an instant in today's blogosphere. There is a lesson for the world's corporations in this. Have a blessed weekend.

Update 2: Email response from DarkSyde: I didn't post this out of fairness. I may next time you screw up though if my interest hasn't faded and I'm already losing interest: And there will be no link included to your blog in that event, simply a brutal takedown with links and references with you playing leading man. On short, you're quite simply as wrong as you can be. I've sent a total of two emails and both were to conservative bloggers whose past entries indicated to me they held reasonable views. You were one of them. Lesson 1: Read and know the political perspective and if possible, party affiliation, of the bloggers you are trying to reach How to do it: Um, reading the bloggers you are going to be requesting support from my be helpful.. Lesson 2: Don't sterotype and don't assume. Just because I am of Latino heritage, does not mean I support open borders, illegal immigration, or anything liberal or left-wing for that matter. I would

You must read La Ventanita's essay , responding to recent criticism of Val Prieto from BabaluBlog.com . "The world is actually bigger than Cuba and South Florida. Hard to believe, I know, but not everyone...cares about the stuff you lost in 1959. Or 1968. Or whenever. Yes, it's sad. But most people in the world just...don't care." That was one of the nation's 25 most influential Hispanics by Time magazine speaking to a fellow Cuban blogger who chooses to blog about his passion speaking against Fidel Castro and daily trying to put the truth about the real Cuba out there ; debunking all those nice, flowery, nostalgic NYT Cuba and Fidel Castro (and oh yes, Che Guevara too) stories. Setting the record straight; disseminating truth .

I married an American, but I have to say--my wife cooks a mean Cuban meal! Check out this one. I'm just following Ziva's example over at BabaluBlog . The picadillo with plenty of olives and potatoes, thinly sliced fried ripe plantain--just like my Abuela makes them, and rice and black beans. I do my rice brown, to make it a bit healthier. I got an awesome wife!

Q&A going on at Washington Post right now . Hugh mentioned Cuba. Read it. Westport, Conn.: What could be more undemocratic than a totalitarian government which is what a one party system would be? No party is that virtuous, wise, or honest enough to be trusted with such power. Sorry Charlie! Hugh Hewitt: Nice mention of totalitariansim, which of course Constitutional majoritatians reject. The globe's real totalitarians, North Korea, Cuba, Syria and of course Iran come to mind, fear the GOP as the majority party for the reason that the GOP is committed to the spread of democracy abroad.

Compelling article by World Magazine today. I don't know what to think about it yet. One thing for sure, its heart wrenching. Its a must read . World Magazine also provides a run down of the two legislations being debated out there. Guest-worker" provisions to make some illegals temporarily legal are at the heart of immigration battles on Capitol Hill. The House bill (H.R. 4437) would: step up expedited extradition programs; add 700 miles of border fence and boost enforcement officer numbers; require employers to verify legal status of potential employees at penalty of criminal prosecution with fines from $7,500 to $40,000; make the act of illegal immigration a felony and restate provisions against assisting, harboring, encouraging, or transporting illegal immigrants. The Senate bill (S. 1033) would: fund a five-year, comprehensive Homeland Security border protection plan; create a guest-worker program that would be available to 400,000 migrants

Pat at Pawigoview writes: Merriam -Webster Dictionary defines ALIEN as relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : FOREIGN and ILLEGAL as "not according to or authorized by law : UNLAWFUL, ILLICIT; also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game)" Not only do many of the ILLEGAL ALIENS choose not to learn our national language, they do not want us to use accurate words in our language. If I leave these United States and am in another country, I am an alien. If I break the other countries laws concerning my presence in that nation, I am illegal! These are not racial slurs. Use of accurate terminology does not make me a bigot. I agree completely with him: I welcome LEGAL IMMIGRANTS and wish that so many who have applied through LEGAL MEANS will soon have the opportunity to begin citizenship pathways in these United States. I have no preference to a country of origin, ethnicity or religion. I welcome those who want to become assimilated by

“Deuce Four is an overwhelmingly aggressive and effective unit, and they believe the best defense is a dead enemy. They are constantly thinking up innovative, unique, and effective ways to kill or capture the enemy; proactive not reactive.” http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/jungle-law.htm

Challenging thoughts for the "Church" on the issue of immigration. If evangelical Christians in America don't get with it pretty soon on the subject of immigration, they may well end up as embarrassed and impotent as Republicans are in California when Hispanics happen to be in the room. The California Republicans' plight is the result, of course, of the high-profile stand former Gov. Pete Wilson took in 1994 against the influx of Hispanics from the south. Some people say Gov. Wilson single-handedly guaranteed that Hispanics would refuse to vote Republican for the next generation or more. But note this well: The issue for evangelical Christians involves a great deal more than political pragmatism. The real issue is compliance with God's standards—and thankful hearts for His mercy. The big fear for evangelical Christians should not be the ire of Hispanic voters, but the wrath of God. There are certainly some public-policy issues (try NAFTA) where it may be hard

I am looking for a conservative blogger that might be interested in guest-blogging or even co-blogging on Latino Issues. If you have lived in Central or South America, or have unique perspective on immigration, and Latinos, email me. I need some help here. Unique readership has gone up to over 100 a day--over 500 when I get a Hughalanche or an Instalink. Between MBA, my dearly loved wife, and work, its getting hard to dedicate the time you all deserve and the content I am commited to providing. This is a chance for a new blogger with low readership to increase his audience and get practice on an established audience. So, if you are interested in co-blogging at Latino Issues, email me at jmsierra_at_josuesierra_dot_net .

It is a time of remembrance for those who gave their lives for freedom, and suffered at the hand of the political left. Remember this when you think about Democrats and their ability to confront America's enemies. Remember this come November and you are deciding who you are going to vote for. All things considered, remember this day. Via NetForCuba : (emphasis mine) Maj. Gen. (DCNG-Ret.) Erneido A. Oliva, Former Second-in-Command of the Assault Brigade 2506 On April 17, 1961, approximately 1,300 courageous Cuban patriots belonging to the Assault Brigade "2506" landed on Cuban beaches. Our mission was to overthrow Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and to reestablish democracy in our homeland. However, the military operation at the Bay of Pigs which had been personally approved by President John F. Kennedy lasted only three days. After 72 hours of continuous fighting, exhausted, we found ourselves surrounded by more than 40,000 enemy troops, hundreds of artillery pieces and more

For those who are just not getting it! (Washington, D.C.) House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Senate Majority Leader released the following joint statement regarding the border security bill: "America is a nation with borders and borders matter. We are a nation of citizens and citizenship matters. We are also a nation of laws and laws matter. We have an important immigrant heritage and honoring that heritage matters. "In December, the House of Representatives passed a strong border security bill aimed at securing our borders and preventing illegal immigration. "However, on December 16, 2005, there were 191 House Democrats who voted to oppose House Republican efforts to reduce the crime of unlawful presence in the United States from a felony to a misdemeanor. Instead, they voted to make felons out of all of those who remain in our country illegally. "While we are disappointed with the House Democrat's lack of compassion and the continued efforts by Senato

Must read of the day. I can't find the link, so if anyone sees it, let me know. By Ruben Navarrette Jr. The San Diego Union-Tribune April 12, 2006 Who killed immigration reform? The autopsy shows it was Senate Democrats. It's tempting to put a pox on both parties. But it wouldn't be fair. Republicans were tireless in search of comprehensive, and bipartisan, reform. Sen. John McCain of Arizona joined with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., to draft the guest-worker legislation, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter made that legislation central to what his committee sent to the full Senate. Sens. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Sam Brownback of Kansas were vocal in their support. Sens. Mel Martinez of Florida and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska offered a helpful compromise. And Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist showed leadership by reaching out to the other side. Too bad you can't say the same for Democratic leader Harry Reid, who was the villain in this dram

I'm sorry Megain--it was not my intent to attack you, but the basic idea you are proposing. The boys death is sad. I can't understand what that must be like. But to use the word martyr is just wrong. To be fair, my previous post was strong. Here is Megan's response. Just trying to be fair and balanced...trying. Since you chose to attack me here rather than attempt to engage in a serious honest debate where I posted the article, I will respond to you here. Looking at social justice movements throughout history (because I take a historial approach rather than a spoon fed approach fed to me by the U.S. government as to waht democracy looks like), toned down, pandering to the powers that be to make ourselves as Latinos, people of color, poor people, more palatable have gotten us nowhere. What are are effectively saying is that because of his choice to particpate in actions that are (allegedly) protected by the Constitution, he deserved what he got, death. As a women who has d

Maegan la Mala posted on Vivir Latino a sensationalist headline that sounds to me a lot like socialist propaganda. What is this-- a revolution ? I am sure that is what rally organizers would want it to be. But this is America, and in America, change happens differently! We vote. We contact our representatives. We obey and live under the law. I know that is to much to ask of some people, but I digress--following is a post I read at Vivir Latino. The headline reads, " First Martyr of Current Immigration Struggle: Age 14 " 14 year old Anthony Soltero, an organizer of student walkouts at De Anza Middle School in California, shot and killed himself on March 30 after being forbidden to attend graduation activities, being threatened with fines against his mother for his "truancy" and participation in the student protests, and being told that he was going to prison for three years because of his involvement as an organizer of the school walk-outs by the assistant princi

For all those language-impaired bloggers out there that didn't do to well during high school Spanish, I thought I would provide this little accent reference for your benefit. Holding the Alt key, type in the appropriate number for the accent or symbol you need. á - 160 ¿ - 168 é 130 ¡ 173 í 161 ó 162 ú 163 Ñ 164 É 144 ñ 165 There you go Mary Katharine . Just come back to my blog each time you need some help. :-D Any misuse or mispunctuation of the Spanish language in this post is due to the fact I can't figure out how to make my keyboard make those dadgum accent marks. Did I mention the lack of skillz?

Via NYTimes : Senator Sam Brownback, Republican of Kansas, who favors granting citizenship to illegal immigrants, said Monday: "I think everybody sees the immigrant community as an emerging force. I think everybody is quite sensitive that they don't want to be on the wrong side, politically, of this group." Your Senator fears illegal immigrants. Is this your leader?

Yikes! Investor Business Daily has more on MECHA and the separatist movement. This puts a socialist win in Mexico's presidential race in a whole new perspective. Can you imagine a friend of Chavez and Castro right next door? Can you imagine if someone puts this separatist attitude to good use? Oh, wait--they are. It's happening. Turn on the TV. A leading Aztlan group is the Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan, known by its Spanish acronym MEChA. Like many other Hispanic groups, MEChA came out of the "Brown Power" movement of the late '60s. Its founding motto was, "For those in the race, everything. For those outside the race, nothing." Many of California's leading Hispanic politicians were "Mechistas" in college, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante. Bustamante's refusal to condemn MEChA contributed to his defeat by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2003 gubernatorial race. As a student group,

What do you mean, Mr. Reid? What does "secure" mean? Talk is cheap, Mr. Reid. I got this press release via the Hispanic PR Wire today--very smart. It's a load of crap! So, according to Reid, those who would ask for real border security are fringe right wing! "Democrats are united on the need to reform our broken immigration system and it will ultimately depend on Republicans to choose between standing up to the radical right wing of their party, and joining Democrats to approve practical, tough, and smart reforms to our immigration system, or they can continue to play politics with our national security and immigrant'’s rights." Who was offering amendments in an attempt to reach a compromise? The Republicans. And who was blocking and filibustering these amendments, preventing any solution? The Democrats. Words are cheap! In the case of Democrats, they are worthless! Stop obstructing Mr. Reid. Tags: Politics , border , Homeland Security , MEXICO , Immigration

Thomas Sowell's column is a must read for the day . As usuall, he gets down to the unseen factors of the issue. It affirms what I have been saying--this is more about the voice of the so-called immigrant "leadership" and much less about what immigrants really want. Who benefits the most by the rise of the immigrant masses? Answer me that... Today, immigrant spokesmen promote grievances, not gratitude, much less patriotism. Moreover, many native-born Americans also promote a sense of separatism and grievance and, through "multi-culturalism," strive to keep immigrants foreign and disaffected. This is not to say that all or most of the illegal immigrants themselves share this anti-establishment or anti-American bias of many of their spokesmen or supporters. Most are probably here to make a buck and have little time for ideology. Hispanic activists themselves recognize that many of the immigrants from Mexico -- legal or illegal -- would assimilate into American soc

Update2: Mary Katharine has pictures from the DC rally . Check them out. Update: Check out the WaPo's headline today ! What I want to know is how are Churches reconciling the moral stand on abortion, gay marriage, and pro-family values with the values the event organizers promote? How can church leaders unite with those that stand against everything the Church stands for? Where is the church? Used--disconnected between the truth, and the Judeo-Christian worldview, and what is happening today. Illegal immigration is wrong, any way you look at it. How does a church pastor defend that? *** That's what most of these crowds are! Do you honestly think that the average working Latino, with a minimal education, is really all that politically informed and involved? There are those that are--I know many of them. But look at the pictures. Look at the pictures . These protests are highly organized, politically calculated, PR managed, opportunistic events set up by the extreme left and soci

Just discovered a great blog by Alvaro Ruiz-Navajas, who is "working on [his] PhD thesis on income distribution and economic growth at the University of Manchester." Of the top, looks like good stuff. I'm going to be keeping an eye on this one. Great work Alvaro .

Here is a great post in response to a liberal on the issue of immigration. Since I have been asked this question, I thought I would provide this as a semi-response. Great piece . I've been trying to figure out what's a serious issue to a liberal. Honestly, when you try to talk to someone about, oh say, immigration laws, it always boils down to tomatoes. Here's a comment from my entry yesterday : What the hell did an immigrant ever do to you? Mow your lawn? Why are you protesting against mexicans? Why not all immigrants; Indians, Asians, Europeans, Africans? Did your ancestors come here "legally"? If we cut down on illegal immigrantion, who the hell will pick your tomatos? Let's break that down. Tags: Politics , Homeland Security , MEXICO , illegal , immigrant , Immigration

I had the chance to be at this event at the Heritage foundation, and even got to meet Hugh Hewitt. The discussion was great, Hugh had some interesting things to say, and Bob Beckel was as entertaining as usuall. I have to say, I don't know that I agree with all of Hugh's perspective on the issue of the 2006 and 2008 election. But, to be fair, I need to finish reading the book to fully understand his words. Check out the show tomorrow. Description: Hugh Hewitt argues that Democrats could win back both the House and Senate during the 2006 mid-term elections and suggests ways for Republicans to limit this possibility. He says that for Republicans to regain the momentum they have lost recently, they should concentrate on four things: winning the war, confirming their judicial nominees, cutting taxes, and controlling spending. Weekly Standard executive editor Fred Barnes and Democratic strategist Bob Beckel provide commentary. The event was hosted by the Heritage Foundation in Was

What did I do to deserve this? Accounting is a torture! I think they should invite my accounting Prof. to Guantanamo. One semester of this stuff, they will spill secrets like nothing else. Some day, when I conquer the world, I'm hiring someone else to do my accounting!!