The party conventions have ended and the presidential candidates have set out on the final stretch for the November election. Now it is the time when voters must work to figure out which political platform is in most accord with their personal circumstances and for the country at large.
Americans are clamoring for change, tired of the Bush Administration and the Washington partisan rancor that is inhibiting the ability to solve the most profound and urgent challenges.
The presidential candidates —Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain— both claim the banner of change. We believe that the personal histories of both senators demonstrate that they are change agents; however, the policies are markedly different as is the impact that they would have on distinct sectors of the society.
For Latinos, these differences are extremely important. Our community, especially immigrants, is heterogeneous in its origins and experiences. However, we share many of the worries of the average American. The differences are in the demographic characteristics of the Hispanic residents of the U.S.
Without a doubt the economy is the primary concern of everyone, with or without legal residency papers. The unemployment rates are pounding the Latino community, while the average income of a family of four doesn’t reach $38,000 annually. Jobs creation, work training, and tax policies are key. On the other hand, Latinos are among those suffering most from the mortgage crisis and their financial situation grows more vulnerable each day.
Education is also of great interest for a young community such as ours, with a median age of 27 years in comparison to 37 years for the population at large. Public education is not adequately preparing our future labor force. While the emphasis is on accountability and measuring knowledge by tests, it is also essential to provide funds so that schools can perform.
Health is another issue of tremendous importance for Latinos. More than one-third of our community lacks medical insurance; many have been affected by the elimination of workplace health coverage or by working in jobs that do not offer this benefit. The proposed strategies to confront this problem are varied. What is critical is that quality medical coverage be within the reach of all people. Health is not a privilege and medical attention should not simply be a business.
Finally, immigration. It is imperative to update the national immigration policy. A comprehensive focus is needed that embraces the entire set of issues, economic, human, and national security. Complexity should not be made simple and it is unlikely that the goal can be achieved correctly without addressing these three elements.
These are some of the principal priorities of the Latino community. The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda was established by the major Latino organizations with specific recommendations and policies. We invite you to check it out! (http://xrl.us/oqhkm)
Latino voters have demonstrated they are not married to any one party. In each election, they demand an independent analysis and this time it is no different. The Hispanic electorate is an important part of key states in the presidential election. Latinos have the responsibility to demand from the candidates and parties that their concerns be addressed.
Candidates should remember that voters have the final word in November.







