Perspective:
By Roberto Lovato
Local media is abuzz with news of President Obama’s visit to San Francisco. Unfortunately for immigration policy and for noble cause of immigrant rights, the media coverage reflects the editorial filters built up by the multi-million dollar media apparatus set up by Obama’s immigrant rights allies in DC, who are still seen by the press as the official voice of immigrants in the US.
México del Norte
Por Jorge Mújica Murias
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<p> President Obama and Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes discussed immigration, drug trafficking, and the economy during Obama’s trip to El Salvador. But missing was mention of the controversial Central America Free Trade Act (CAFTA).</p>
<p> Thousands of protesters held marches and demonstrations against CAFTA while Obama was in town. The free trade agreement is big news in El Salvador as corporations are suing the country for daring to have environmental laws.</p>
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<p> Hours before President Obama was set to land in their country, Salvadorans were listening and reading — and weighing – each statement he made before his historic arrival. From the crowded, tin-roofed shantytowns of Soyapango – one of the most densely populated areas in the hemisphere – to the gigantic gated mansions of the Escalon district in San Salvador, Obama’s words seemed to gain weight with each minute leading up to the arrival of Air Force One.</p>
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<p> Last weekend the Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act. It would have provided a path to citizenship for thousands of undocumented, foreign born American youth who have successfully graduated from U.S. high schools and wanted to either go to college or serve in the military.</p>
<p><strong>New America Media</strong></p>
<p> Progressives and liberal Democrats are furious over President Obama’s tax-cut deal. Their venting includes threats of a Senate filibuster, screams for everyone from defeated Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold to Hillary Clinton to challenge Obama in the Democratic primary in 2012, and vows that progressives will not spend a second working for Obama’s reelection or contribute a dime to his campaign.</p>
<p><strong>The Progressive Media Group</strong></p>
<p> A U.S.-Colombia free trade accord is now more likely to be approved, as is more U.S. military aid to the government there.</p>
<p> The George W. Bush administration negotiated the trade agreement, but Congress never approved it. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama strongly opposed the Colombia trade deal, citing ongoing abuses against organized labor in the South American country.</p>