When I was growing up, one of my dad's favorite sayings was "Don't let anybody ever tell you you're a dumb Mexican."

Our mom definitely taught us that there are times when we must stand up for our convictions and not back down.

Loretta Sanchez became my hero when she defeated the disgusting right wing extremist Bob Dornan in an upset victory in Orange County, California. Several years later, her sister Linda Sanchez was elected to a nearby district and they became the first ever sisters to serve in Congress.

As the children of Mexican immigrants, their story is obviously one of overcoming great odds and prejudice. But they have overcome those odds with grace, intelligence and great skill.

In 2008 Loretta and Linda (along with Richard Buskin) published their story, a book called Dream in Color. I love the title as much as I love the Sanchez sisters. And I always meant to buy the book. But I tend to read either ancient history or pure escapist science fiction or fantasy. The stupid turn to the discredited and failed right wing Republican agenda in the 2010 midterm election was what made me finally buy the book, because I knew it would be an inspiring story, and I needed an inspiring story. And I was not wrong in my expectation.  read more »

Looks like there is new verseion of republican racism: pitting Hispanics against blacks. Divide and conquer has always been the only way the Republicans could win, and too often it works. They are at it again but this time it is NOT working and, in fact, has led to the downfall of a racist republican.

From the racist GOP chairman in New Mexico's Bernalillo County:

"The truth is that Hispanics came here as conquerors," he said. "African-Americans came here as slaves.

"Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president."

Of course this is a complete lie, as the polls have consistently shown. I have reported before that Hispanics overwhelingly support Obama over McCain. That trend continues not just nationally, but in New Mexico as well:

SurveyUSA, 9/14-16:

New Mexico Latinos:

McCain (R) 28
Obama (D) 69

Nationally, according to the Research 2000 daily tracking poll for Daily Kos:

McCain (R) 27
Obama (D) 68

Thanks to Daily Kos for this info.  read more »