The Republican Party has had a strong history and relations with the Hispanic community. It is important that we remind those who want to say that Hispanic Republicans are divided that we are not. Just because there are various groups of Hispanic American Republicans, does not imply we are divided. It only says we are active, numerous and eager to contribute. Why then is there an assumption that all Hispanic should fit into one single group? And if not, then we are divided? Our diversity is our strength.

Remember the RNHA is dedicated to advancing Latino causes, promoting Latino candidates, and supporting leaders who understand the power and benefit of the Latino vote.

Are Republican women divided because they have many local republican women groups? No. Just like the amazing republican women clubs, we too are a diverse and dynamic community that only share our common language but come from different backgrounds and have different values. We celebrate the fact that there are several groups and look forward to the many more that will rise like young Hispanic, senior Hispanic, Hispanic business owners and so forth. So, let’s welcome the many Hispanic Republican Groups in existence and the ones in formation, the more the merrier!

Let me share with you a little of our history in the Republican Party.

The 1972 Presidential campaign, for the first time in U.S. history, created an outreach committee to involve Hispanic American voters in politics. The Spanish Speaking Committee for the Re-Election of President Nixon was instrumental in the acquisition of 60% of the Hispanic vote.
In 1972 President Nixon appointed George Bush as Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Reviewing the substantial gains scored by GOP candidates among voters of Hispanic background during the past election, Bush believed there was a need to keep all those Hispanic Americans who participated in President Nixon’s presidential election in the ranks of the Republican Party.
In April of 1973, Chairman Bush announced the formation of the Spanish Speaking Advisory Committee to the RNC to expand and improve the participation of Spanish surnamed persons in the Party.
Under the leadership of the national members of the Spanish Speaking Advisory Committee, the RNHA was officially born at the organizational meeting that took place on July 11-13, 1974 at the Stouffer’s National Center Inn in Crystal City, Virginia.
In 1974 the RNHA was officially organized by a group of Hispanic Republicans under the leadership of then-incumbent RNC Chairman George Bush. Since that time, the RNHA has been the only Hispanic Republican organization recognized as allied with the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Today, the RNHA continues to play an influential role as an allied organization of the RNC. With chapters throughout the nation, the RNHA is committed to its mission of inclusion, outreach and opportunity for the Hispanic community.

In Nevada the NV RNHA was formed in 2007 and played an important role in the past elections. The Nevada Hispanic Caucus in the final steps of becoming the Clark County RNHA. We all have common goals and together we will turn Nevada red again.

Have you read this? Read the PEW report. Where do they get this information. Immigration not a top priority. Who are they talking to? http://tinyurl.com/8pgwad

Nevada is poised to take center stage in the debate over a proposed national law that would ban workers from voting for or against labor unions in secret ballot elections.

A group based in Las Vegas called "Save Our Secret Ballots" is preparing to defend against the proposed law -- which is supported by Barack Obama and the mostly Democratic Congress. The group, fronted by a Republican former Congressman from Oklahoma, is pushing for state-by-state constitutional amendments that would essentially require secret ballots to be used to form or join a union at a business.
The effort is kicking off in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah. Clint Bolick of the Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute, a conservative think-tank that recently thumped Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office, is one of the board members for Save Our Secret Ballots and wrote the proposed language for the constitutional amendment. It's just two sentences -- the first, short and innocuous, and the second, a lawyer's dream: The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed.

The group is launching a citizens initiative to put the above language before Nevada voters. If voters approve it, the law will become embedded in the state's constitution. On its Web site, Save Our Secret Ballots www.sosballot.org admits it expects a legal challenge if the amendment is ever enacted in Arizona or another state, especially since it is meant to conflict with the proposed federal law mentioned above. The conservatives are upset at what they see as a power grab by management and union leaders, and in this case their vision seems clear. The ironically named "Employee Free Choice Act" is being pushed with no apologies by the labor unions, which have seen falling membership in recent decades and need a boost. The bill would allow unions to get entrenched at a business merely by getting a majority of employees to sign a card over a period of time. Union supporters argue that a business can monopolize employees' time with brainwashing anti-union meetings or videos before an election, so elections must be eliminated. Unfortunately, the so-called "card check" process can also be manipulated. And unions, despite their illustrious past in carving out workers' rights, sometimes play dirty.

Though a secret ballot election isn't perfect, there is no better way to vote on something if you want to reveal the voters' true feelings. In Nevada the voter’s rights are protected under NRS 293.2546. This initiative is not exclusively focus on management and union leaders, it is an initiative that will provide protection against losing our freedom to vote without intimidation at all levels.

 

Our journey began early in our communities, in places like churches, schools, soccer games, professional network meetings, at work and at home. We started asking ourselves “who will be the next president of our nation?” and how will he affect me, my family and my community?

The conversation started amongst Latinas of different political and religious affiliations. Like all other Americans, Latinas differ on religion, politics and social positions, but what makes us different is much less than what makes us similar. We share a common bond, a covenant with our family and community.

Our roots are grounded on the protection of our families and that is expresses regardless of religion, politics and social ideologies. What drives us is our faith, our family and the certainty that we will have a prosper future, that we will continue to be an intricate part of this nation and that our contribution to it will endure through our children and grandchildren.

We have created with Latinas for McCain what no other party or group have been able to accomplish, a group of women nationwide working together regardless of our differences and grounded on our similarities for a common mission; to elect John McCain as our president.

When we arrived at St. Paul, I was happily greeted by the staff from Hispanic Outreach McCain 08. They like many others were happy we were there and proud of what we have done so far, but also hopeful that through us John McCain can reach victory in Nevada and the other states where Latinas for McCain are working diligently to get him elected. I was humbled by the welcoming and recognition. However, today more than ever I share with you and plead to help each other, not to ever give up, feel tired or think that what we do doesn’t matter. We have a lot of work to do, but this does not compare not even one second to what John McCain have given to us as a patriot. So, at night and early morning when you feel that you are too tired to keep volunteering please remember each day from now until November 4^th, this is a way to say “thank you John for what you did and will do in the next four years for my family when you are in the White House”.

I brought so many inspirational experiences from St Paul I wish I could just share every electrifying moment. Tuesday, watching the American-Indians carry the colors in and out of the floor reminded me that we are all united on this; that our nation is a beautiful canvas and that John McCain has given a life of service to make sure that we are all part of this wonderful experience.

I was trying to be strong but could not hold my tears any more when about 10 POW that were in prison with John stood up to receive an overwhelming show of gratitude and respect from the audience. The truth is that the whole night was a powerful experience, a beautiful and respectful recognition for John’s service to our country and the many others that have served us.

You know, in our convention we did not have to spend a lot of time introducing our candidate’s qualification or  performance history because we know who he is and needs no introduction. We did not have to spend a lot of time unifying our party because we are “Estamos Unidos”. Listening that night to Tommy Espinoza, John’s son grandfather and one of his closest friends, a Democrat, was proof that when it comes to making the right choice for the best man for the job, we are on the right track.

Wednesday was all about “Reform”. What a night, between Romney and Ruddy, the Hispanic speakers like Abel Maldonado, Dr. Elena Rios and Luis Fortuno, it could have not been any better except we also heard from Sarah Palin and what a speech that was.

I’ll tell you, this nation will be ever the best with John here as our leader, a man who is not threaten or afraid to have a strong successful women by his side. From Meg Whitman to Carly Fiorina, from Roberta McCain to Sarah Palin, John embodies what a real patriot is. It is someone that sees others as a fellow American, not a woman or a man, not a white or Hispanic, not as a Jew or a Christian, just a fellow American.

I admit I was inspired by Sarah and felt energized, proud and motivated to go and work even harder to get them elected. But the pinnacle of trip was when I met Frank Gamboa, John’s roommate from the Naval Academy. He looked me straight on my face as a kneeled to see him face to face while he sat and in front of his beautiful wife he said, “please continue doing what you are doing, Latinas must help him win, you have to do this for our community”. That moment I knew that our job is blessed by a high power.

As I went back to my sit and walked in front of a young man, I stepped on his foot. I reached immediately to softly touch him on the knee and apologize, when I discovered that his leg was s prosthesis. He said with a grin “don’t worry it doesn’t hurt”. I quickly responded, “ I still want to apologize” then after a brief pause I said “Iraq?” he said “yes”. Then I asked, “and you are still here in this place?” This is the part when I felt like hugging a total stranger, he said while pointing at his leg “ that is why I am here because John McCain is the only one that understands this”.

Next day we went to the “Estamos Unidos” event for Hispanics and Latinas for McCain. In a room full of Hispanic leaders from all over the nation we shared ideas, facts and challenges. Most importantly celebrated our heritage and charged each other with the responsibility of reaching Victory.

After the program I  flew back home to Las Vegas to watch John’ acceptance speech with the Latinas for McCain. Yes, I could have stayed in St Paul and see him close and continue with the electrifying experience only felt at the convention, but I truly believe that what John, Sarah and my new friend Frank would have prefer was for me to be in the company of my Latina friends, motivating them and showing my solidarity on this historic moment. After all, John I will see you soon on the White House!

Many say that he is too old, we say he is at the right time of his life and has the experience, wisdom and character to be the leader of our country.

Senator McCain will be the first Hispanic president in the US!! Uno de los nuestros.

http://www.latinoreport.com/Carly_5demayo
 

Carly Fiorina
May 5, 2008

Mexican Americans have contributed to the cultural fiber of the United States in so many ways - and today we celebrate those contributions as well as our common visions. It's important that we continue this rich combination by electing a president who is the best choice for Americans and who will share their values and interests.

We mark the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla by celebrating the hope and courage of an outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers. Under the leadership of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, these soldiers fought and won in the name of freedom for their people. That same spirit is very much alive today in our Armed Forces - in which many brave Latino Americans serve - whose great sacrifices are very much appreciated by Sen. John McCain. Though we are fighting a very different war, we do so under the banner of freedom that led Gen. Zaragoza's troops as well.

As the largest minority group in the U.S., many Hispanic Americans have followed the American Dream, an ideal Sen. McCain highly believes in and endorses. It is also worth noting Sen. McCain's strong leadership on immigration issues. He wants to bring our country forward, providing opportunity for all who are willing to achieve this dream.

As I've said before, the American Dream starts with a home and a job - with the proper tools, everything else will fall into place. To get started on that mission, Sen. McCain has proposed a number of initiatives to put an end to the current housing crisis and make sure it doesn't happen again by targeting predatory lenders and creating transparency in the lending system. His HOME plan will bring targeted relief to families affected by the current housing crisis. Under the plan, all deserving homeowners will be able to trade cumbersome mortgages for a manageable loan comparable to the home's market value.

Sen. McCain also has made innovative proposals to improve the economic climate for small businesses to succeed. With over two million Hispanic-owned businesses generating nearly $300 billion annually for the economy, there is potential under Sen. McCain's economic plan for these businesses to grow even stronger.

The pro-growth tax agenda that Sen. McCain endorses is very much in line with the needs of many Hispanic-American families. His plans to keep taxes low, cut taxes for middle-class families, and free up more money for hardworking Americans. You see, Sen. McCain believes that power and choice should be in the hands of the people, not the government. It is the American people, not the government, who work hard to earn their paychecks and deserve to manage their money without government influence.

To ensure that our children are able to continue our legacy and be afforded opportunities we weren't, our education system must provide them with the skills to succeed. As the achievement gap continues to narrow, we must hold our schools to the highest standards and push for continued improvements.

Sen. McCain is the right choice for all Americans because he will keep their best interests at heart - in the business sector, in the classroom, and at the dinner table, because he shares similar values. That's why it's important that John McCain has the support of the Latino community, because they have his support.

Carly Fiorina - RNC Victory Chairman and Economic Advisor To Sen. John McCain

A local Spanish television channel showed a Metro Police Officer, David Cienega pandering to illegal immigrants. The following are excerpts (translated verbatim) from the segment.

Verbatim Translation

Metro Officer David Cienega (shown on screen in a Metro Police Department uniform speaking fluent Spanish):  "The Civil Hispanic Academy is held every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.  The course is a duplicate of the course taught in English titled "Citizen's Academy" and was formed for Spanish-speaking persons. We don't care if you are here LEGALLY OR ILLEGALLY.  We (Metro) will consider them LEGAL CITIZENS because they are here now and we are going to treat them as such."

The reporter:  "According to the authorities, what the police department (Metro) is looking for is to breach the language gap through the means of education."

David Cienega, Metro Officer:  "We want to help them so they will feel that they are part of society here by educating them, letting them know their rights..."

This is outrageous that a statement like this is made by Metro Police officials over Spanish-speaking television.  Since when is it Metro's job to EDUCATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS---and state that, "We don't care if you are here legally or illegally."  I always thought policemen were supposed to ENFORCE OUR LAWS!

A very concern Hispanic-American citizen made the following comment: “With the crime problems we currently have here in Las Vegas, maybe these officers would be better deployed in the streets of Las Vegas INSTEAD of trying to educate ILLEGAL ALIENS?”

When did it become the job of Metro Police Officers to ENCOURAGE AND PANDER TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and what happen to the other immigrant that speak other languages other than Spanish. If Metro intent is to “help” Spanish speaking immigrants understand public safety are they (Metro) providing this courses to other illegal immigrants in other languages or are they discriminating them by excluding them.

This is unacceptable that such a program is taking place at TAXPAYER EXPENSE. Or is this “very caring” officer providing this training as a community service on his own time?

This news segment should be AIRED ON THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING NEWS CHANNELS so that everyone would know what is going on in Las Vegas NOT JUST THOSE THAT SPEAK SPANISH!!!

 

Democrats do not make decisions that are courageous and for the best of our country. It does not come easy to them. Republicans do this with out wavering, hence the case of Governor Mitt Romney suspension of his campaign yesterday.

It is time for the Democrats in congress to begin thinking of all Americans and stop their partisanship behavior. Thank you Chairwoman Sue Lowden for becoming the voice Nevadans need. 

From http://www.nevadagop.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=7006

Monday, February 04, 2008
LOWDEN: Reid’s Partisanship Unreasonable to Nevadans
Contact: Zachary Moyle
(702) 258-9182

Las Vegas, NV: Nevada Republican Party Chairman Sue Lowden today released the following statement regarding Harry Reid’s reaction to the budget proposal submitted to Congress by President Bush:

“Harry Reid is holding Nevadans and all Americans over a barrel with his unrelenting partisanship. He continues to hold up a bipartisan economic stimulus plan that provides relief to hard-working taxpayers. Staying in character, Reid now suggests that the Senate may neglect its most basic role – funding the government – until the President is out of office. Harry Reid claims President Bush is being ‘unreasonable,’ but the only thing unreasonable to Nevadans is the thought of another term for Reid in the Senate.”

Las Vegas,-January 15 , 2008.  On Monday, Governor Mitt Romney was interviewed on Spanish radio talk show “Lo de Aqui...Lo de Alla” (About here...about there) on KRLV 1340 AM radio, making yet another effort to reach Nevada’s Hispanic community and inform Latino voters of why he's the best qualified candidate for president.  The program, which is hosted by Xavier Rivas, has been on the air more than 5 years and is co-hosted by Tibi Ellis and Sergio Osorio.

Romney was asked questions related to the Nevada Hispanic community, and he provided direct answers.  Among the topics discussed were: his experience as a businessman in developing micro-businesses, how he had worked with Latino businesses during the Salt Lake City Olympics and, how he understands Hispanics are no different than any other American because they're interested in being part of the American Dream and have the talent to succeed.  “We need to continue any financial programs now in place such as the Small Business Administration and adjust perhaps procedures to become more active with minority groups,” said Romney.

Since all candidates have failed to direct the immigration issue to its origin, Rivas asked Romney what he would tell Mexican President Felipe Calderon and other Latin American countries about the fact that they need to retain their citizens by creating employment opportunities in their countries and capitalize on the NAFTA agreement.  Governor Romney said that President Calderon has been in office for one year and the level of corruption in Mexico as well as other Latin American countries must be corrected.  He added that we need to be in alert about Hugo Chavez and how he is using his oil economy to penetrate other countries in.  He emphasized how other countries must focus attention on creating jobs and how they should be a natural partner.

When asked about his family roots, Romney said that his father was actually born in Chihuahua, Mexico, to American parents living there.

Romney appreciated the fact that Hispanics are family-oriented people.  He discussed his 38 years of marriage, five sons, five daughters-in-law and 11 grandchildren as having given him a solid base for becoming president.  He concluded the interview by saying, “Gracias” for the opportunity to share his viewpoints.

Note: We received several calls after interview with Governor Romney all positive in reference with our conversation with the governor.

Xavier Rivas

Much is being said about Hispanic participation in American politics today. Are we going to show up to the caucus or the polls? What party are we in favored of? Which candidate will Hispanics support? Will we play a roll in politics this year? We will play in the political landscape?

The preference for a political party Hispanics in America have is widely different based on our social background, country of origin and economical status rather than values. Although most of us share  common conservative values, our interests appear to widely vary based on the elements mentioned before. So, how do we unify our community to be in a position to exhort greater influence on our leaders? How can we assure that policies and laws are made taking into consideration our interests as Hispanic Americans? For starters we must continue to defend what is most precious to us, our conservative values and we must continue to advocate our Americanism.

Perhaps we need to consider that these ambitious, hard-working immigrants, whatever their documentation, will write the next great chapter of a story that's still deeply American, though with a different accent and even broken but official US English language. If the optimists are right, much work remains to be done to incorporate all immigrants fully into our political playground. But one thing is certain; no one will stop us from having a voice.

We ended 2007 no closer to compromise on the immigration issue than when the year began. People are waging a culture war – that's what the struggle over illegal immigration is – not giving up easy. Some are not recognizing the positive contribution that our community has provided to our country. What you think of immigrants says a lot about what you think of America, and what vision of her you are willing to defend. How we deal with the stranger among us says not only who we Americans are today but determines who we will become tomorrow.  So when someone talks to you with a slight accent or writes you an email that may be using English incorrectly, remember at least they know a second language.

Our voices cannot be silenced; we are in the radio, printed press, television, community centers, in our neighborhoods, churches, at the workplace and all over America participating and changing the political landscape of our country. 

Some would like to quiet our voices, but we are here to play and will continue to speak even if it is in broken English. “Although public discrimination on the grounds of race, religion and social class is not now publicly acceptable, it appears that discrimination on linguistic grounds is publicly acceptable, even though linguistic differences may themselves be associated with ethnic, religious and class differences”.  (Milroy and Milroy 1985:3). For every worldwide native English speaker there are three English speaking non-natives to these countries. Three-quarters of the world’s mail is in English and four-fifths of electronic information is stored in English.

Let me remind you American English has become THE global language. Some linguistic experts say that Americans invent more words and phrases in a month than other English speaking nations do in a year. Many believe it is this very inventiveness that has propelled American English past British English in worldwide popularity. But let me ask you, who should decide what's acceptable?

According to PBS “Do you Speak American” special, as more non-native speakers converse with each other, hundreds of impromptu varieties of English are taking on a life of their own around the world. “The polling place would remain open to people who have trouble with English, but it also would remind them that English -- or even broken English -- is the common language of American democracy”. (English Is Broken Here, By John J. Miller,Bilingual ballots are bad for democracy, Policy Review Magazine September & October 1996 – Hoover Institution )

Social scientists estimate the number of varieties of American English range from a basic three - New England, Southern and Western/General America - to 24 or more. Some researchers suggest the number is actually much higher. Many Americans fear that continuous Hispanic migration, and large concentrations of Spanish speakers, threatens American English. That fear is one motive behind the so far unsuccessful campaign to make English our official language. “Do You Speak American?” a PBS special report, argues that Mexican and other Hispanic migrants are learning English at the same generational rate as previous immigrants groups. By the second generation many can no longer speak Spanish. So, making English the official language should not be an issue?

One of the most interesting ideas encountered is that language change is driven by women, who are said to be a generation ahead of men in adopting new pronunciations and speech styles. Linguists see parallels between language and fashion. ( Do you Speak American, http://www.pbs.org/speak/ahead/). So ladies, my beloved Hispanic sisters, lets play a strong and active role in politics, send our message loud and clear to our community, protect our family, our faith and our future. Ah, and let’s do this while we are shopping for the latest fashions.

Although the 2008 elections will not be the first time candidates will be faced with the concerns of Hispanic voters, there is thankfully enough of an increasing awareness of the importance of Hispanics in the political landscape. As we grow in size in the population and become economically stronger and more politically savvy, candidates likely will become sensitive to our needs, our values and those objectives that are important to our Hispanic community.

Aren't we lucky to be part of a party, The Republican Party, that welcomes all immigrants? Even those that use incorrect English! Viva GOP...

So let’s play!

"For over two decades faith-based voters have been a pillar of the Republican Party and Hispanic evangelicals have by and large found a home within this political movement. They represent a small but rapidly growing percentage of the overall faith-based electorate, yet they can have a critical impact in the '08 election." (candidatousa.com Issue Date: Volume 1, Issue 7 - 12/17/07, Posted On: 12/17/2007)

Nevadans Hispanic Republicans may represent a large portion of the faith-based voter
 populations. With the high percentage of Hispanic Christians in Nevada, can we really make the difference? Only if we vote. New voters registration continue to reach large numbers each months; the challenge is, will them vote in November 2008?

The Univision Republican Forum -

1- Respecting our laws - All seven candidate, Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, Rudolph Giuliani, Ron Paul, John McCain y Duncan Hunter, agreed that there can not be legal concessions for the 12 million undocumented immigrants in this country. To the question of "what to do with them?” our candidates reiterated the law and pointed out the million of people that are awaiting to legalize their status via the customary and legal process; it will be of no justice or respect to jump the undocumented immigrants on the front of the line to provide some type of amnesty.

2- Republican Party Hispanic lost of support -

Univision asked the candidates if they knew why the Republican Party has lost the support and vote of the Hispanic community. President Bush received 40% of the Hispanic vote but only 30% in 2006.

"I am not sure that the candidates answer this question, what I heard was more on the line of the importance of the Hispanic vote but not why the vote is reduced". Tibi Ellis, Vice President of the Nevada RNHA, said.

Giuliani, for instance said that better leadership will be the solution. While Romney said lack of communication with the Hispanic community is the prevalent reason. Huckabee explained that "we did not do what was adequate. If we want more votes, we need to improve education". Thompson accused the corrupts in Washington and the excess expending he said "we are expending the money of the next generation". Ron Paul criticized the excess expending in the war.

The reporters from Univision also mentioned the PEW report published last Thursday where it states that there are many more registered Democrat Hispanics than Republican (you can read it at http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=83 ). Please note that this report was made based on a survey conducted by telephone from Oct 3 through Nov 9, 2007 among a randomly selected, nationally representative sample of 2,003 Hispanics, of whom only 843 are registered voters. Are 843 Hispanic voters a representation of 40 Million Hispanics in the US? This is not statistically relevant or valid. Don't let the press full you.

3- The candidates also discussed Latin American and the volatile relation with Castro and Chavez. While they pointed out the obvious about these regimes there was not firm stand on solving the treat of weakening the Democracies in Latin America and the risk to us in the USA. The candidate also addressed the war in Iraq, Healthcare and Education.

In summary, this forum format was more of a round table discussion where all the candidates had the opportunity to present their positions on the important areas of interest for Hispanics. It was a delight to see them outside of the debate environment and more in a dialogue with Hispanics.

Much was lost in translation and to my disappointment Univision did not allow us to hear the responses in English as it was simultaneously translated in Spanish. We were able to hear though that some of the translated answers did not accurately represent the responses from the candidates, but this also happened to the Democrats. This comes to proof that English should be the official language in politics. Why are they translating in Spanish if this was at the University of Miami? One should expect such of academic audience to understand English. Aren't voters American citizens? Americans whether by birth or naturalization speak English… I am not sure this event convinced any Hispanic voter to vote Republican, one thing is certain it showed the impressive line of capable, experienced and professional leaders we have. They were "Presidential".

By Robert "Mike" Duncan

On December 9, the Republican candidates for President will gather in Miami for a debate sponsored by Univision. There, Hispanics and all Americans will be given a great opportunity to see why Republican policies will make for the brightest and best future for our country.

Republicans have a strong record to run on. It is because of Republican policies that the achievement gap in our schools has narrowed. It is with a Republican President that we have seen unprecedented numbers of small businesses especially Hispanic-owned small businesses open their doors. It is under Republican leadership that trade to Latin America has skyrocketed. And it was George W. Bush who appointed the most diverse administration in history, including the first ever Hispanic General Chairman of the Republican Party.

But we cannot and will not rest on our laurels. The future is more important than the past, and over the next year, the Republican message to all Hispanics to all Americans will be a message of hope and a bright future.

Our Partys message will be about how to make lives better for all Americans. It will be about how we will continue to fight for accountability, high standards, and parental control to help children learn and grow in our schools. It will be about our fight to keep taxes low so those children can find good jobs, and keep more of the money they earn. We will talk about helping those children become homeowners as they grow into adulthood. We will talk about real reform for Social Security so their safe and secure retirement is assured.

In other words, Republicans will be talking about how their policies will help every child and every adult live a brighter and better future. Those policies are the real differences between Republicans and Democrats.

I believe the Republican Party is stronger when it is fighting for the Hispanic vote just as it is stronger when it is fighting for every other vote. I want the Hispanic community to see a welcoming Republican Party, one that wants to reach out and share our vision of the American Dream with them.

Hispanics have a lot to gain from the 2008 presidential election. They will play a major role, as they have in all of our recent elections. The Hispanic community is a large and growing part of our political process, and in less than a year, it will once again help to shape its own future and the future of all Americans. The Univision debate on December 9 will help make the choice even easier, and I am looking forward to seeing our Republican candidates once again compare their records with the Democrats rhetoric.

Robert "Mike" Duncan was elected chairman of the Republican National Committee in January, 2007. He has worked on five Republican presidential campaigns and held a number of positions at the RNC.

32 Senators Voted Against English as America 's Official Language June 6, 2007
       
On Wed, 6 Jun 2007 23:35:23 -0500, 'Colonel Harry Riley USA ret' wrote:
       
        Senators,
       
        Your vote against an amendment to the Immigration Bill 1348, to make English America's official language is astounding. On D-Day no less when we honor those that sacrificed in order to secure the bedrock character and principles of America.

The following senators voted against making English the official language of America :  Note some of them are running to the presidency.
       
        Akaka (D-HI) 
        Bayh (D-IN) 
        Biden (D-DE) Wants to be President?
        Bingaman (D-NM) 
        Boxer (D-CA) 
        Cantwell (D-WA) 
        Clinton (D-NY) Wants to be President?
        Dayton (D-MN) 
        Dodd (D-CT) Wants to be President?
        Durbin (D-IL)
        Feingold (D-WI) Not unusual for him
        Feinstein (D-CA) 
        Harkin (D-IA) 
        Inouye (D-HI) 
        Jeffords (I-VT) 
        Kennedy (D-MA) 
        Kerry (D -MA) Wanted to be President
        Kohl (D-WI) 
        Lautenberg (D-NJ) 
        Leahy (D-VT) 
        Levin (D-MI) 
        Lieberman (D-CT)
        Menendez (D-NJ) 
        Mikulski (D-MD) 
        Murray (D-WA) 
        Obama (D-IL) Wants to be President?
        Reed (D-RI) 
        Reid (D-NV) Senate Majority Leader
        Salazar (D-CO) 
        Sarbanes (D-MD) 
        Schumer (D-NY) 
        Stabenow (D-M)

 

Once again the Democrats disappoint America; their actions only confirms that they are all about self-serving politics. Democrats demonstrate here as it is shown by their front runner candidate Hillary Clinton that for them, politics and actions are not based on what is right but what is popular, even at the expense of being anti-American.

The USA may be the only country that does not have an official language. Immigrants do not come to this country expecting to be served in the native language, we appreciate that we have the freedom to speak our native language in our home, with our family and friends, in social or cultural events, and even on religious gatherings, but we also expect to be asked to honor the language of our new country.

Immigrants when we come to this country are grateful of the opportunity granted to us to adopt this new country as our own, we are also grateful and ready to adopt our new language, but America must stand for what is precious to us all Americans, our American values, American traditions and American Language (English). There is nothing offensive or negative in honoring and respecting our laws; pass a law to make English an official language and notice how we earn the respect of all our citizens, guests and the rest of the world.
 

The misunderstanding comes when some extremists want English as the "only" language. It must be the official language used in business, in the political word, in education (so long we offer other languages to our kids to learn) and in government. Let us continue to have the liberty and freedom to use and honor what we want in private. This is what makes this the best Democracy in the world. English as an official language is as American as the bald eagle and apple pie!

As Hispanic Americans, we bring important assets to the political dialogue in our nation’s future. Our diversity, strong work ethics, faith, spirit of service and family values can contribute to our nation’s solidarity, economical strengths and the pursuit of peace.

 

It is necessary that all Hispanics participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the importance of voting in order to have a voice on the political process of our nation.

 

Our believe as Hispanic Americans call for a different kind of engagement; one shaped by our values and moral convictions, and focused on the pursuit of the common good.

We are called to bring together the preservation of these values through our political choices, our principles and our votes, to help build a better nation and keep the strength of the America we all adopted and love.