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In the past, I have argued that Latinos represent a wide array of beliefs, opinions and political ideologies — and that we must openly accept all of them as part of the Latino identity. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.
Both the Obama and Romney campaigns have now reached a point where most people can make an informed decision about which candidate’s interests align closest to their own.
So I’m interested in understanding specifically why any Latino would still consider voting for Romney in November; and I don’t want any politically-charged claims about ineptitude or inexperience – I mean specific policies and agendas that would benefit Latinos under a Romney administration.
Let’s be serious, African Americans have had it easy ever since Romney made it clear in his speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) that he is the candidate who can make things better in their community. No “identity politics” there.
We Latinos, on the other hand, have a little more research to do before we can commit to a candidate. It’s too bad Romney didn’t attend the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) annual meeting to assure the same for our community.
So when Latinos have to choose between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, we actually have to consider the agendas of each candidate.
Most notably, President Obama’s healthcare reform has already proven to benefit the Latino community. Yet, conservative Latinos continue to support Romney’s crusade to repeal it entirely.
Then, Obama announced a change in deportation policy that would grant work permits to DREAM Act-eligible immigrants and the Supreme Court mostly ruled against Arizona. Alternatively, Romney made it unclear whether or not his “long-term solution” for immigrants involved rolling back the policy change — and don’t even get me started on his failure to formulate an opinion on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Add to that, the recent Romney campaign gaffes that literally test the limits of professionalism in a campaign, and you’ve got a presidential candidate that’s about as appealing to Latinos as Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Romney’s refusal to release his tax returns has led to the suspicion that he has something to hide, something the Obama campaign has been quick to exploit; and rightly so after receiving the same treatment for years from right-wing birthers.
Then, in an attempt to justify his prolonged involvement with Bain Capital, a senior adviser to his campaign says Romney “retroactively retired,” as if some magical time machine exonerates him for his actions.
Not to mention the allegations that the Romney campaign recently started buying or creating fake Twitter accounts when the number of his followers began to spike.
A new poll shows that Obama is gaining support in high numbers amongst Latino voters; however, in the end, I understand that people are going to believe what they choose to believe, and at the very least, I hope this article can stir up some constructive criticism and debate.
Unless you’re also a millionaire, if you’re a Latino planning to vote for Mitt Romney, you’re also voting against your own interests.
About Felipe Diaz
Yes, for Latins is clear who is the best candidate. Romney’s policies don’t benefit Latinos at all, also it’s not about being Latin, it’s about what’s better for this country, and Romney is obviously the wrong choice. Great article…
not yet
yes… dont vote or vote Gary Johnson LOL
So far I have learned plenty enough to know, not to vote at all!
last I checked, this election was about selecting a Pres who will represent and oversee America, Americans,,,,America is made up of every ethnic group. Isn’t it racist to elect based on what is good for one race????
I’m casting my vote for Stephen Colbert!
Wrong and dangerous
and and ROMNEY isn’t the one that I will go for. He did so many messed up things when he was a Gov. in MA that he would be the last one to get my vote OBAMA 2012 !!!!
Unless you’re also a millionaire, if you’re a Latino planning to vote for Mitt Romney, you’re also voting against your own interests……SO TRUE
Aren’t we suppose to vote for what is right for our Country? Although I am still seating on the fence, I have had enough during the last 4 years!
Nobama
Tambra, while I agree with you, understand that I think Romney tried to play off of that (The whole “I’m Mexican” debacle to secure votes…I guess something akin to the whole “Obama is Black” thing). Still though, as apathetic I am about these things, Romney seems unfit to be president simply because he’s out of tune with most Americans, let alone all the games that are being played by both sides.
My vote is going to Obama; at least he’s trying to do something, even if I disagree with some of his politics as well.
Tambra you are on a blog called “being LATINO” so guess who the question and article is for! You guessed it! Not Asians not blacks it was for Latinos. And the fact of the matter is thy the republicans would rather we all go back to our country. So when Latinos vote it will be based on who is best for us just like every other race will vote for who they think is best for them so your comment on this blob is irrelevant.
Blog
Why is he wrong cuz he wont let u stay home and get free money from hard working people hmmmm oh yeah wait im a C E O, i mUst be bad im greedy but wait im latino hmmmm how did he get to there? Obama says i didnt build it lol hahahah
National Council of La Raza doesn’t speak for all Latinos because all Latinos are not about anti American subversive radical Chicano special interests.
Oscar my web site is http://www.tmustone.com that’s my granite company and not to include all the property I own. Ooohhhhhh ahhhhhh hmmmmmmm I guess I’m a CEO as well. But guess what I didn’t build this shit by myself and I’m not so arrogant to admit that my success did not come by just me! And as a matter of fact white people are the ones who get the most government help.
Hahahaha
Well nice to know theres some Uncle Tom Latinos like “Oscar D” no puto..lol Its because some CEO exploit there employees most of all latino workers in the fields or suppress minority votes for ethnic communities to vote. Social Programs are to uplift communities who have been subjugated to exploitation…your seriously going to dog you own people who use food stamps/or other social aid. Some abuse it yeah..but imply those who do are lazy? Yeah..since last time I check its Latinos doing shit people dont want to do because were lazy. IF ANYONE has critical thinking skills or thinking at all obviously the choice it OBAMA!!!. It your Latino..please take Uncle Tom somewhere else..cuz you dont know anything about your gente..the struggles nor the accomplishments!!!
And im also Latino
He may have been good for mass a chuchets but wrong for the nation
JOIN MY GROUP “MOVING FORWARD COALITION” OPEN FORUM For all ethnic communites Latino/African/Asian-Pacific/GBLT/MUSLIM/HIND/CHRISTIAN…ETC GOBAMA!!!
Sorry….but the Democratic Party has been welfare enablers to the Latino community far too long….it has to stop sometime…
welfare enablers? and the GOP wait Genocide warfare killing oppressing exploiting heathens…Jose get an educations and know something about your raza pendejo!
Of course I do. Hope others do research to vote wisely.
If your LATINO..and vote for GOP…you obviously have an IQ of a ROCK. WHO ARE DOING THE VOTER PURGES TO suppress Latinos/Latinas/Africans from voting in key states GOP PENDEJOS!! Which party gives you PELL GRANTS??? Which party tries giving our gente Amnesty/Citizenship for their hardwork regardless of their illegal…or HEALTH CARE!!! Which President is passing the DREAM ACT???!!!
He is latino dummy
Four more years for President Obama!!! hells yeah bitches!!!
I don’t get the whole,”I don’t like what he’s doing but I’m still voting for Obama” angle. @Jeff, the “if you are a Latino, then..” comment is idiotic. IF, you studied the role of the president you would know that no president has the legal authority to give Pell Grants, health care, citizenship, or the Dream Act. This is beyond their scope, it’s is a congressional function at best; if not a state function. So, yell all you like, you are being played.
All politicians are the same = liars
OBAMA 2012 [EVOLUTION] 4 MORE YEARS!!!