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"This is socio-economic more than it is cultural."

That's a little too simplistic for me. The socio-economic and cultural aspects are so intertwined as to be inseparable, in my opinion. Here's something: If you suddenly tripled their income, would they they suddenly be sophisticated, caring, responsible citizens? By sophisticated I mean, would they appreciate our form of government, our founding principles, the American way of life?

I don't think so. Bad culture drives out good. Variation on Gresham's Law. Always has, always will.

"By sophisticated I mean, would they appreciate our form of government, our founding principles, the American way of life? I don't think so. Bad culture drives out good. Variation on Gresham's Law. Always has, always will."

I see, so all Hispanic culture is no good? I believe your prejudice is showing.

If these people suddenly had more money, more education and hung around with people who expected better, then yes I think you would see a marked change in most. Not in all, obviously. There are bad ones in every group.

The Hispanics I know here certainly respect our founding principles and the American way of life, but then I don't know any who are dirt poor. The ones I know are pretty at or above my socio-economic level and they pretty much fit right in. Over in another, poorer part of town I'm sure they do park in the front yard.

One family I know respects the American way of life so much that they now own a fair sized local chain of Mexican restaurants and the core of that family is quite well off. Guess what? They don't park cars in their front yard or yell and scream while drinking Bud Light in the street. In fact, their houses put mine to shame. And I can't remember the last time one of them got caught spraying graffiti. These folks came here (legally) with virtually nothing and no doubt did park in the front yard once upon a time. They worked their tails off (and still do) and achieved the American dream. And they make the best Mexican food around where I live.

I know there are areas where it's bad all around the U.S. I'm not condoning or defending that. But I dispute your contention that it's simply a Hispanic cultural thing.