Hispanics flex new muscle in southern U.S.

San Diego Union Tribune ^ | Friday June 21, 2002 | By Paul Simao

[4America]

ATLANTA – In most of the southeastern United States civil rights and ethnic diversity historically have been viewed through a black and white prism, but a fast-growing Hispanic population is threatening to alter the ebb and flow of race relations and rewrite the political agenda in the region.

Like previous generations in California, Florida and Texas, Hispanics in a number of states in the Deep South are for the first time seriously campaigning for seats on school boards, city councils and in state legislatures.

Latino candidates have been emboldened by a heavy influx of Hispanics, primarily Mexicans, who were drawn to the region in the past decade by the promise of good wages at carpet mills, poultry processing plants and construction sites.

An estimated 1 million Hispanics live in Georgia, the Carolinas and Alabama, according to U.S. census data for 2000, though most observers agree that the number is far higher when illegal immigrants are counted.

In a handful of counties in Georgia, home to one of the fastest growing Mexican populations in the nation, Hispanics now account for about 20 percent of the population.

"We should not continue to see Georgia as a black and white state anymore," says Pedro Marin, a 44-year-old community activist in the Atlanta area and one of three Hispanics running for election to the state legislature in November.....

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Latino candidates have been emboldened by a heavy influx of Hispanics, primarily Mexicans, who were drawn to the region in the past decade by the promise of good wages at carpet mills, poultry processing plants and construction sites.

What I don't understand is isn't most of the influx from illegal aliens? How can they vote? Of course we all know they do and that's exactly why it's important the laws meant to keep this from happening are enforced. It is not right for illegal foreigners to come here and start taking over our political process. Why does Washington refuse to listen?

[4America]

The only conclusion I can come to, is Money. There has to be alot more to this that Washington knows and the Citizens don't. It baffles me everytime I read articles such as this. It appears Washington finds it easier to just turn away & avoid what's in the best interest of our country.

[Don Myers]

bttt

[4America]

Just going by what Iv'e read in this article, apparently the Southwest isn't the only place, that they want to claim.

[4America]

Great Profile!

[Barbara14]

HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!!!! You think maybe they are catching on to what has been happening in California, Texas, AZ and New Mexico? Soon, the rest of the nation will say "STOP THE FLOW!".

[Joe Hadenuf]

An estimated 1 million Hispanics live in Georgia, the Carolinas and Alabama, according to U.S. census data for 2000, though most observers agree that the number is far higher when illegal immigrants are counted.

It's N A T I O N W I D E and coming to your neighborhood soon..

[Reaganwuzthebest]

No, I ve heard some in the Aztlan movement say their "land" to be reclaimed extends up to Washington State and Canada. Pretty soon it's going to be the whole country.

[MissAmericanPie]

What makes you think D.C. will listen to stop the flow? D.C. loves the cheap labor, the democrats love the votes, and George Bush and crew loves the no borders globalism.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Soon, the rest of the nation will say "STOP THE FLOW!".

That may be happening now. I've read stories recently of a huge influx of illegals into Maine and Rhode Island. They are all over and nothing is being done about it.

[Joe Hadenuf]

And the government will continue to do nothing about it. It's not part of their agenda, not part of the plan, as this nation and our sovereignty disappear, while the American people, enjoy the ever warming water...

[4America]

I believe that one day, their pride is going to turn around & bite them in the a$$! Very angry & arrogant bunch.

[WRhine]

What I don't understand is isn't most of the influx from illegal aliens? How can they vote? Of course we all know they do and that's exactly why it's important the laws meant to keep this from happening are enforced. It is not right for illegal foreigners to come here and start taking over our political process. Why does Washington refuse to listen?

This is yet another reason why I say that we live under a tyrannical government. The empty suit politicos that passed the motor-voter legislation knew exactly what they were doing. And notice that after a little gratuitous carping from the republicans in 1996 we don't hear a peep out them anymore about how the loose standards under motor voter has enabled hordes of illegal aliens to vote in our elections.

The level of corruption and treason in our government has never been greater than today and it runs deep in both parties. Only a seismic political earthquake of epic proportions from Grassroots America will halt the decline of our republic. What it will take to get their dander up I have no clue but wars and depressions usually get people back to reality.

[Jagdgewehr]

[ForOurFuture]

It appears Washington finds it easier to just turn away & avoid what's in the best interest of our country.

Surprise, surprise!!

[WRhine]

What makes you think D.C. will listen to stop the flow? D.C. loves the cheap labor, the democrats love the votes, and George Bush and crew loves the no borders globalism.

Big Bump to that.

[SonnyBubba]

I live in a small suburban town in Alabama.
Last night I went to my bank's ATM and had
to push a button to get messages in English
rather than Spanish. I don't have a problem
with Mexicans, but they are going to have to
learn English because I ain't learning Spanish
just to to my money out of my ATM!

[Don Myers]

Thanks.

[Aria]

I can imagine our epitaph written 100 years from now: the downfall of the greatest country the world has ever seen came about because of the greed of its politicians - both for money and votes, and the physical and mental laziness of its citizens who couldn't be bothered to defend themselves for fear of offending or just plain disinterest.