Editorial:
In the past, all too often in these editorial pages we have taken the point of view that we just can’t take our freedoms for granted. We have to fight for freedom, we have to be vigilant, and we have to be involved. We have often talked about how freedom is not free and that it takes sacrifices. We have highlighted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights which have made this country what it is today. These points have been a re-occurring theme in editorials of the past, and have often been repeated.
We will again repeat these same themes, but on this 4th of July we do so with a sense of frustration.
Our frustration stems from the fact that we have to deal with the stigma of being second class citizens. That stigma has been reinforced through anti-Hispanic laws such as SB1070, elimination of ethnic studies in Arizona, elimination of historical references of Hispanics in text books in Texas, English-Only legislation, minutemen, political degradation, race baiting and scapegoating by politicians especially during election season.
We are especially frustrated that as our population grows our Hispanic community has yet to embrace the political process by registering or voting in numbers that reflect our population. We continue to stand on the sidelines and allow others to dictate and define our existence; that is how SB1070 came to be, troops and drones deployed to the border, politicians proposing taking birth certificates from U.S. born children, local city councils approving a bogus resolution in Chula Vista, National City discussing contracting with an Arizona business, Escondido denying renting to immigrants, etc. For the past 30 years pundits have been stating that the sleeping giant has awaken, unfortunately it appears that the giant has forgotten to get up!
As noted in our front page story this week, Hispanics have made great contributions to America’s freedom, fighting and dying valiantly, and as the ethnic group with the most earned Medal of Honors helped to maintain our freedom. Historically Hispanics have contributed economically, socially, and politically to this society. Yet today we live and are treated as second class citizens.
This and much more, leaves us with a great sense of frustration.
For one weekend let us put aside our frustration and enjoy the long weekend. Let’s us hang our flag in the front yard, celebrate our freedom with a picnic, a barbecue, and watch the fireworks. Let us relax and enjoy the celebration with family and friends.
We still live in the greatest country in the world, and what makes it great is we are all afforded the tools and opportunity to change our status, but it is incumbent upon us, the Hispanic community to put forth the energy and effort to bring about the needed change.
Happy 4th of July.