In these acute political times, the art of persuasion through language is a clear ploy of deception. Take for example, the current campaign being waged by PG&E to convince voters that the existence of independent electricity providers is illegal. But the message of its Proposition 16 initiative is a resounding call to protect “The Right to Vote.” How can anyone be against this right in a democratic society? Thus, voters are intimidated to think otherwise. But the root of the initiative is simply to protect PG&E’s monopoly on high-rate electricity service in California.
Another second example is the current controversy over the implementation of a federal initiative to round up undocumented immigrants. Again, the selection of words to win support is clearly evident. Called the “Secure Communities” program, who can be against something that implies the creation of safer neighborhoods? But, the bottom line of this program is a simple ploy to arrest and deport people.
It orders local law enforcement agencies to automatically send the digital fingerprints of crime suspects to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. So, anyone suspected of committing a crime, like the street vendor selling corn on the cob without the proper permits, and/or anyone who supposedly “looks” undocumented is targeted. In other words, let’s “secure communities” against these evil intruders. So, don’t be deceived by those who prey on our gullibility.
I trust you heard the latest out of Arizona … It seems Governor Jan Brewer has done it again. She recently signed a bill that prohibits high and middle school classes that target a particular race, or promote anti-white sentiments, or advocate ethnic solidarity. Meaning that ethnic studies programs are now under the microscope in cities like Tucson, whose population is 56 percent Latino, with a Latino student population of 31,000.
But the deep-rooted intent of an ethnic studies program is to instill cultural pride, to learn about Latino contributions to society, and to help empower young people in the building of a better tomorrow. Likewise, studies show that ethnic studies programs help students succeed in school because of steady encouragement from instructors and increased student interest in learning fostered by the ethnic-specific classes. So, the attacks on immigrant rights, ethnic studies, and our right to speak Spanish only points to a rising backlash against Latinos in this country as we move closer to becoming the largest ethnic group by the next decade. Let’s be ready to strike back firmly. This is our time!
Here are some interesting tidbits…Did you know that a National Museum of American Latino is in the works? By September 2010, the NMAL Commission will issue a report detailing its recommendations to the U.S. Congress for a decision on creating the museum…Did you know that the nation’s first and only Spanish-language news and information service on the Public Broadcasting System is now 25 years old? That’s right, Radio Bilingue, a national non-commercial radio network based in Fresno, just celebrated its inaugural national daily news show called Noticiero Latino. Gran abrazos to Radio Bilingue founder Hugo Morales and to founder/executive producer of Noticero Latino, Samuel Orozco…Did you know that the Juana Briones house in Palo Alto is now on the 2010 List of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places? As the oldest structure in Palo Alto, it housed an original San Francisco resident who was a rancher, a healer and an entrepreneur. The house was built in 1844. By the way, the current owners want to demolish the house, but a campaign led by local preservationists and scholars have stymied that effort. A lawsuit against the owners that rescinded a demolition permit is currently being appealed…Lastly, did you know that chocolate has it roots in southern Mexico and northern Central America? Christine Delsol of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Maya and Olmec initially harvested cacao beans in the early 1500s. The beans got the attention of Aztec ruler Moctezuma who turned the ground beans into a bitter drink after boiling the grounds in hot water. The bitter water was eventually flavored with vanilla and other tropical spices and it became a prominent part of religious ceremonies. So, there you have it. Next time you hear or read all the hoopla about Swiss and Belgian chocolate, think Latino because there’s a bit of us in every bite.
On a final note…for all the fanatic soccer fans in San Francisco, our fair city will be doing its share to promote world soccer. When the 2010 World Cup games begin next month, a 13-foot-by-18-foot screen will be mounted on a truck and parked in front of City Hall for a free public airing of the games. Reportedly there will be food vendors and available space for kids to play soccer. The games run from June 11 to July 11 in South Africa. See you there!