By Cecilia Muñoz

Cecilia Muñoz is senior vice president of research, advocacy and legislation for the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). As such, she monitors developments across the country resulting from the enforcement/enactment of federal policies as they relate to the greater Latino community.

In the following piece, Muñoz talks about the racial hatred that has taken root across the country, it's impact on local Latino communities and NCLR's attempt to combat it with a new web site titled We Can Stop The Hate.

At the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), we’ve spent a lot of time in the last few weeks highlighting the growing and important role of Latinos in the democratic process. Suddenly, the Latino vote is hot, and the candidates and pundits are paying attention.

But much of the real story has little to do with the presidential election. Take Oregon, for example, where a vibrant community is doing incredible things without national attention.

Latino civic participation is suddenly booming in Oregon, but it’s not spurred by the state’s upcoming presidential primary, which doesn’t occur until May 20, and it isn’t connected to voting – not yet, at least.

My friends at Oregon’s immigrant rights coalition, CAUSA, have described an incredible scene: five legislative hearings held at the Capitol in Salem over the last three weeks, each attracting no less than 1,000 Latinos.

At one hearing, 5,000 showed up on a weekday. Sounds like shades of what my friends there call the “immigrant spring,” the mobilizations of 2006.

In a clear example of just how much Texas Republicans loathe the Clintons, stories are surfacing across the state of GOP voters switching parties, for at least a day, to cast votes for Obama.

Even though polls show that Clinton would be a weaker candidate against McCain than would Obama, experts say Republicans, who have long expressed a visceral distaste for Bill and Hillary Clinton, want to prevent her from being on the ballot in November.

"The argument I've seen is, 'Let's get rid of Clinton once and for all,' " said Ralph Bordie, who conducts the IVR Poll in Texas.

Bordie's latest statewide poll released last week found that 15 percent of Texas Republicans who said they will support the GOP nominee in November plan nonetheless on voting for Obama next week.

The crux of the illegal immigration problem lies south of the border. That's not news. But that the solution lies on both sides of the border is evidently still news to some politicians — even those in very high office.

In an op-ed penned for Spot-On, a web-based syndication service which now carries my writings, and longer pieces than what will be found on Latina Lista, I explore this sad ignorance practiced by some American politicians who should know better.

The following is an excerpt of Solving Illegal Immigration Nation-to-Nation

The once white-hot issue of illegal immigration has taken a curious twist in American politics.

On the one hand, state and local politicians are using the polarizing topic as the foundation of their bids for public office.

But on the national level, presidential candidates try to distance themselves from that same issue. They pay just enough lip service to give the impression that they care about it, but not too much - not unless they're campaigning in those pockets of the country directly impacted by the problems created by having undocumented residents.

To be fair, last year's bipartisan partnership forged among Senators John McCain, Ted Kennedy, Jon Kyle, and fully supported by President Bush, which resulted in the crafting of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 was a good start at addressing the issue. That it was roundly defeated in Congress and its supporters have since tucked their tails between their legs and retreated is a disappointing commentary on where the issue now stands at the federal level. Just how loathe Washington is to touch the issue was underscored during the recent visit of Mexico's President Felipe Calderon. Mexico's president was received by state legislatures, governors and business groups but not by the White House where an invitation was never extended to the visiting head of state.

Everybody is asking how Latinos in Texas and Ohio will vote next Tuesday, March 4. Yet, to better understand exactly what are the forces influencing the Latino vote nationwide, one needs to look at the bigger picture of the nation.

The Center for American Progress has done just that with an interactive map that instantly reveals how Latinos are faring in each state. According to the Center, "Latino Voters Gain Voting Power, But Still Lack Economic Opportunity."

Where's Hillary?

It's been a common question bandied among several Texas-based Latino bloggers and myself. All of us live outside, what I dub, the "Clinton Corridor" — that southern strip of the state that straddles the Mexican border on one side and runs just shy of major cities outside San Antonio and El Paso, and where the Clinton campaign seems to have hunkered down while campaigning in anticipation of the March 4 Texas Primary.

(Source: New York Daily News)

Since arriving in the state, she has basically stayed in the southern region, and who can blame her?

It's only there that she seems to hold the same kind of court that Obama has been able to do in Dallas, Houston and Austin. The few times she has made it north were not happy times for the campaign, and her poor showing outside of the "Clinton Corridor" doesn't spell success for her or her team.

Earlier in the week, Latina Lista reported that Mexico was opening a debate regarding legalizing drugs to combat the growing drug violence in the country due to cartels competing for the U.S. market.

Now, comes official word from the U.S. government acknowledging the role American drug users play in today's violence in Mexico.

Map showing the change in drug routes for delivery into the United States since 9/11.

Yet, it's not the hard drugs of cocaine or heroin that is bankrolling Mexican drug violence, it's those who like to get their high smoking weed.

In other words, marijuana is the "bread and butter" for Mexican drug cartels.

The Pew Hispanic Center released an analysis today about the role of Latinos in the 2008 Democratic Presidential primaries.

The consensus is Latinos are the pivotal voters to swing the selection of either Clinton or Obama.

The Democratic contenders spar in their only face-to-face debate before the Texas March 5 primary.
(Source: CNN.com)

The report authenticates something that has been the buzz of this election thus far — 

In a year when the turnout in the Democratic primaries and caucuses has risen sharply across the board, Latinos have been a growing share of the turnout in 12 of the 15 states for which exit polling permits a comparison between 2008 and 2004. The most noteworthy increase came in California, where Latinos were 30% of all Democratic primary voters on Feb. 5, compared with their 16% share in 2004.

On February 6, 2008, Barack Obama penned a guest post at Latina Lista where he vowed to reform the nation's immigration system.

In today's The Dallas Morning News, to coincide with his appearance in Dallas, Obama pens yet another opinion piece dealing with issues that are important to Latinos — especially Texas Latinos.

Obama outlines his plans on how he will repair the U.S. relationship with Mexico and create a working relationship with not just our southern neighbor but Canada as well.

Under George W. Bush, the United States has not lived up to its historic role as a leader in the Western Hemisphere. As president, I will restore that leadership by working to advance the common prosperity and security of all of the people of the Americas. That work must begin with a renewed strategic partnership with Mexico.

An issue that isn't on the radar of any political hopeful today but is bound to be facing the nation within the next 2-5 years is the subject of revamping our drug policies.

There's something inherently wrong with a policy that results in the disproportionate criminalization of members of the lowest socio-economic sector in the country.

And while there has always been a cry to reform the drug policy, the sense of urgency is going to increase within the next two years, not because of domestic activists on behalf of those jailed for nothing more than possession, but because of drug cartel violence in Mexico worsening due to competition in satisfying the US demand for drugs.

In fact, it has reached the tipping point in Mexico where this week one of the most influential businessmen in the country has called to begin a national debate on one way to neutralize the cartel violence — legalize all drugs.

Past responses to stories posted on Latina Lista regarding the fight South Texans are putting up against the Department of Homeland Security in building the congressionally appropriated border fence have not always been kind to the residents.

Some people can't understand why simple landowners, who have had their property in their family since a King of Spain deeded it to their ancestors and have little else of value, wouldn't want to willingly donate it to the government for the sake of border security.

Father and son peer through a portion of the US/Mexico border fence.
(Source: blog.digitalrailroad.net)

Well, now comes an interesting revelation that shows just how much big business and big money are more than contributing factors in determining where the border fence goes.

One hint: It's not going through the properties of those who can most afford to lose a chunk of land.

On a lighter note — no matter who we ultimately vote for on election day, we all should never lose our sense of humor.

I was reminded of this when reader Colin shared this video with Latina Lista readers.

All I can say is that it put a smile to my face:

I've tossed and turned all night about whether or not I should write about what happened to me. It's something that I would rather forget. I also realize that through this post that I am giving publicity to something that probably was missed by a majority of Latina Lista readers and is not even on the radar of very many people otherwise. Yet, being a writer, I feel compelled to share this experience and if it helps in warning, in any small way, another blogger who finds her/himself on the receiving end of an invitation to appear live on CNN, then it's worth it.

The invitation appeared randomly in my inbox last week: CNN Interview Request.

To be honest, such requests are not uncommon from media outlets. Usually, they just want to get your perspective on issues they know you write about. So, I answered with "How can I help you?"

Little did I know that my response would open the door to a night that totally misrepresented their claims to me and leave me looking really bad.

When it comes to the March 4 primary in Texas, there's really only one race going on.

(Source: wfaa.com)

While television advertisements are juggling self-endorsements from both Clinton and Obama, one is hard-pressed to find a Republican ad running on TV. If they are, it must be late at night with the infomercials.

The fact is a Texas news station is reporting that McCain's camp doesn't feel the need to campaign in Texas since they feel the race has already been decided in their favor.

Yet in a new Texas poll McCain and Huckabee are in a dead heat for Texas votes and as far as who will win the Democratic nomination in Texas?

Let's just say Clinton and Obama commercials will be running until the polls close.

Scanning today's headlines reveals that even on a day devoted to expressing love and compassion — some in this country have a long way to go.

(Source: art.com)

In Georgia, a bill to allow the seizure of cars of undocumented immigrants is gaining popularity. The lawmakers say that these immigrants are breaking the law by driving without a driver's license. Yet, they don't take into account that because they've outlawed undocumented immigrants from receiving drivers license, they are the ones who have created this situation.

The bill says that even for a minor traffic violation the car of someone who can't prove they are legally will be confiscated.

Feel the love yet?

When it comes to getting the government's fair (or unfair) share of hard-earned dollars, the Internal Revenue Service or IRS is more widely feared than the Department of Homeland Security — especially among undocumented immigrants.

How can this be, you wonder?

Elsa Forero, an immigrant from Colombia, gets tax aid from John Quing of Food Change, a nonprofit agency.
(Source: NYTimes)

Well, it's a little known revelation that is bolstered each tax season when the IRS documents those income tax returns filed with ITIN numbers or Individual Tax Identification Numbers.

It's the only way undocumented immigrants can file taxes.

And, yes, they are filing.

The Democratic and Republican parties have internship openings for college students who want to participate in upcoming party conventions where party nominees for president will be officially named.

Interns will be assigned a range of duties including: staffing greeting tables, helping delegates with directions and possibly fielding media inquiries in the press office.

The Republican National convention will be held at Saint Paul, Minneapolis' Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. However, the internship program will be from June 2-Sept. 4, 2008

To be eligible to intern at the Republican National convention: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university, or have graduated the previous semester. It is important to note that internship positions are unpaid, and that receiving academic credit from the internship is contingent upon an applicant's university or college. Applicants must be able to stay through September 4, 2008. Please address any questions regarding the intern program or the application process to internship@gopconvention2008.com.

The Democratic National convention will be held in Denver, Colorado from August 25-28, 2008 at the Pepsi Center.

At the Democratic convention, interns, in addition to performing the regular duties will help find ways to reduce the convention's greenhouse gas emissions as well.

To apply for an internship at the Democratic National Convention, go to the host committee's web site at www.denverconvention2008.com.

(At the time of this post, the Democratic host committee's web site was not accessible to link to.)

The headline's disturbing revelation was revealed through a survey conducted by Hispanic Economics on behalf of the Obama campaign.

While it can be argued that the survey's findings may be a bit biased, it is a safe assumption to make that Obama's young supporters are passionate about their candidate.

Obama addresses youth at campaign rally.
(Source: NYTimes)

That call is easy enough to make by the casual observer who has ever witnessed, either on TV or in person, the student turnouts at Obama rallies across the country.

It's also safe to say that this election season is providing the kind of life-experience lesson with the political process that no textbook can even touch.

Yet, it would seem, that while students have embraced the political campaigning and voter persuasion strategies (phone banks, door-to-door campaigning, etc.) the most important element in this Civics lesson is being dismissed as trivial — the vote.

The early buzz from some in the mainstream media today is what significance does the replacement of Clinton's campaign manager, Patti Solis Doyle, with longtime aide Maggie Williams, have for the Latino community?

Patti Solis Doyle - former Clinton campaign manager

Well, though, yes, Maggie Williams is African American and she is replacing the top Latina in the campaign hierarchy — it means absolutely nada for the Latino community.

Maggie Williams – new Clinton campaign manager

Before another attempt is made to try and create a black/brown divide by some political pundits, it is clear that this is one of those cases where ethnicity must take a backseat to the real reason — campaigning on a national scale with such high stakes was not Solis Doyle's forte.

During Hillary Clinton's campaign swing through Nevada last month, she spent part of one afternoon in a Mexican restaurant munching chips.

According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, it's natural that Clinton would be eating chips because they match her personality traits.

Dr. Hirsch, in conjunction with Qdoba Mexican Grill, has issued a report for Valentine's Day matching certain personality traits with different Mexican foods. The report is meant for helping to predict romantic matches.

And isn't a presidential campaign the ultimate love match there is?

So with that in mind, and according to Dr. Hirsch's findings, there's no better indication of Clinton's outcome for her bid for the White House.

If there is one aspect of Latino culture that is universal among all Latinos, regardless of where our abuelos were born, it's la musica.

So it makes sense that those presidential candidates who are really trying to reach out to the Latino electorate would use music as one powerful vehicle.

As of now, there are only two candidates bending over backwards to include Latinos in this election.

Yes, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Mitt Romney, before he announced today that he was suspending his campaign , was the only Republican that was making an orchestrated (pun intended) effort to reach out to Latinos, in his own way. Mostly with Spanish-language ads.

But Obama and Clinton are embracing the full Latino — and that means creating campaign music that resonates with the Latino electorate.

However, there is definitely a difference in the choice of music for both campaigns — which illustrates that each is missing one part of the Latino electorate.

By Barack Obama

Last fall, Latina Lista sent an invitation to the major presidential candidates of both parties to "blog" on Latina Lista as a way to address our readers. As the campaigns are regrouping after what can only be described as a successful night for both of the Democratic frontrunners during the Super Tuesday elections, one Democratic candidate, who has yet to address Latina Lista readers, decided to forego some sleep and contribute a post.

Today, Senator Obama shares his vision of the future and what he plans to bring to all the people who call the United States home.

I want to thank Latina Lista for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the blog and to talk about change in this great country with the Latina community.

Since the day I was born, I have been surrounded by strong women. I was raised by a single mother, have married a strong independent woman who has blessed me with two beautiful girls and now I’m trying to raise them to pursue their dreams no matter how big, and become future leaders.

As a son, husband and parent I am well aware that women are the core of family. Mothers, wives and sisters are the ones who protect us, care for us, teach us and encourage us.

I also know that for women of all backgrounds, keeping their families together is a top priority. It is no secret that Latino families are being separated from their families every day in this country because of raids and deportation policies that do not take family and humanity into account when trying to enforce laws.

Early returns of just a few of the states voting today for the Democratic nominee have Clinton and Obama in a dead heat.

Super Tuesday states
(Source: CNN)

Yet, an interesting point has come to light. In New York, in which Clinton handily won, being her home state as Obama won in his home state of Illinois, Clinton garnered 70% of the Latino vote.

Now, CNN has predicted that Clinton has won Massachusetts — among Latino voters in MA, the rumor is that Clinton received 75%.

These two significant wins beg the question: How valuable is a Kennedy endorsement among Latinos?

Though it's the day before Super Tuesday, I must digress to a story that caught my eye today — about purses bought in Chinatown.

Now, before you ask what this has to do with anything that usually appears on Latina Lista, bear with me. It will make sense.

You see, these purses weren't just hundred dollar Coach purses or other high-end satchels. They were counterfeit bags and the reporter who wrote the article was outlining how all of us can get knock-off bags for dirt cheap.

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez does say the darndest things.

Maybe it was because he felt invincible after helping arrange the release of two prominent female hostages by the Colombian terror group FARC earlier this month, but whatever it was, Chavez surprised the world when he declared that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) should be taken off the terrorist rolls of the world.

The majority of Colombians didn't agree with him — especially the young people. As a result, on what started on the social network Facebook, Colombian youth organized an unprecedented protest to take place Monday, February 4.

The protest is for Colombians and people, in all corners of the world, to stand in solidarity against the recognition of FARC.

By Professor Dowell Myers

Dowell Myers is a professor of policy, planning and development at the University of Southern California and author of Immigrants and Boomers: Forging a New Social Contract for the Future of America (Russell Sage Foundation, 2007)

(The following post was provided by the author and is a reprint of an essay contributed to The Reform Institute’s compilation: Many Voices, One Dream: A Collection of Insights and Recommendations for Achieving Meaningful Immigration Reform")

Recent debates have focused on immigrants and ignored how the rest of us are changing. Surprising to some, but immigrants are part of the solution — not the problem — to avoiding a great demographic train wreck.