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We Are the Children of Quixote
- In spite of the fact we are now the largest single minority and more importantly, the fastest growing ethnic group in the country, I sense conflicting currents at all levels of government affecting the well being of the Hispanic population.
On one hand politicians claim to want to address Hispanic issues, and on the other hand, there is a stronger and more organized force dedicated to do just the opposite.
What are these Hispanic issues? They are health care, education for our children at all levels, equality in employment, fairness in the courts with a greater representation in the judiciary, greater access to housing, and yes, immigration.
Those of us who are citizens or only lawful residents, cannot be blind to the unfairness, injustice, exploitation of our fellow Hispanics, whose only crime is to come to this country to seek a better life for them and their children.
We can't be satisfied with our individual success. If there is one child of an undocumented worker, coming, through no fault of her own, to this country in her infancy, and being denied the opportunity of higher education because she does not have a Social Security number, we need to advocate change.
We also can't do business with a business that prohibits its employees from speaking Spanish, or discriminate against them because of not mastering the language. And should we be complacent when government services are denied to our people by English Only laws?
We, Hispanic Americans suffered the lost of life in the September 11 attacks. Some of our Hispanic victims were Americans, others residents, and still others undocumented workers working in the World Trade Towers. We, like the rest of America mourned the victims of that barbaric attack.
Yet, not one of those terrorist was a Hispanic, nor did they come through the Rio Grande. Yet, the mighty weight of the Federal government in its fight against terrorism is being felt in our communities every day in ways that are destroying the fabric of families. Rather than encouraging hard working people, who are illegally in the country, to hide, cheat, drive our roads without licenses and insurance, isn't it wiser to legislate a registration process that will identify them and give them the right to work and pay taxes?
It is high time for us Hispanic lawyers to quit our complacency with what is happening in our country, and become activists to right what is wrong.
We are the children of Quixote. Let us act with honor, courage, and most important compassion towards our Hispanic brothers and sisters that are not as fortunate as us.
Join me in raising one voice to improve the well being of our people.
Duard D. Bradshaw President, Hispanic National Bar Association Roderick Linton, LLP 15th Floor, One Cascade Plaza Akron, OH 44308 Voice: (330) 434-3000 Facsimile (330) 434-9220
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