News Clips Nov. 6, 2009

CNN downplays ratings slump

After bragging about its election-year victories, the cable network now minimizes its sharp prime-time decline.
Reporting from New York – In the summer of 2008, as CNN surfed a massive wave of interest in the presidential race, network president Jon Klein laid out how he planned to keep viewers after the election faded.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-cnn5-2009nov05,0,5188962.story

CNN Boss Slams Cable Competitors For ‘Running Cartoons’ (TWX)

Although CNN is losing viewers in the absence of major headlines — like the presidential election and Michael Jackson — president Jon Klein is posturing like he’s not concerned.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Klein downplayed CNN’s steep ratings decline — and took aim at the network’s noisy competitors MSNBC and Fox News Channel, which leads the cable news wars with conservative mascots Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity.

http://www.businessinsider.com/cnn-prez-slams-cable-competitors-for-running-cartoons-2009-11

Immigration a stumbling block for health care bill

Washington (CNN) – Disagreement among Democrats over immigration language in the health care bill is complicating efforts by House Democratic leaders to round up votes needed to pass a bill by this weekend.

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are pushing back against the addition of a provision to the bill that would bar illegal immigrants from buying health insurance using their own funds. This measure is already included in the Senate Finance Committee’s version of the bill and is backed by the White House.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/05/immigration-a-stumbling-block-for-health-care-bill/

Senate blocks census citizenship question

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats Thursday blocked a GOP attempt to require next year’s census forms to ask people whether they are U.S. citizens.

The proposal by Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter was aimed at excluding non-citizens from the population totals that are used to figure the number of congressional representatives for each state.

Critics said Vitter’s plan would discourage immigrants from responding to the census and would be hugely expensive. They also said that it’s long been settled law that the apportionment of congressional seats is determined by the number of people living in each state, regardless of whether they are citizens. A separate survey already collects citizenship data.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j47VWOAOXRk4k02WLL6erT3ozmewD9BPIMD88

Neo-Nazi group to protest immigration in Phoenix march

PHOENIX — On Saturday afternoon, Neo-nazi members will take a stand in Arizona.

The members, with the National Socialist Movement (NSM), will be marching to the Arizona State Capitol to protest.

“It’s an American first rally,” said NSM member Steven Boswell. “It’s a demand for our politicians to put Americans first.”

The rally will begin at 2 p.m. as the group marches down Washington Street toward the capital buildings.

Organizers say the protest will focus on immigration.

“We’ve got completely wide open borders and politicians who will bend over backwards for Mexicans or anyone else who is not American,” Boswell said.

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/central/story/Neo-Nazi-group-to-protest-immigration-in-Phoenix/R-KAUiYQwkq6CkYXr40i1g.cspx

Activists Push for Immigration Reform on Anniversary of Long Island Hate Crime

A year ago this Sunday, in the heady days following the election of President Barack Obama, a hate crime took place in Long Island that initially went mostly unnoticed: a gang of teenagers attacked and killed Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero, as part of what was later revealed to be a frequent activity for the youngsters “beaner jumping,” a slang term for attacking Latinos.

http://feetin2worlds.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/activists-push-for-immigration-reform-on-anniversary-of-long-island-hate-crime/

LI hate-crime suspect to rat on teen pals: DA

One of seven Long Island teens accused in the fatal hate-crime stabbing of a Hispanic immigrant has agreed to testify against his friends.

Nicholas Hausch, 18, yesterday in Suffolk County Court entered a guilty plea to gang-assault and hate-crime charges. Like his co-defendants, he had pleaded not guilty. He’d been facing five to 25 years in prison, but that could change now that’s he cooperating with the prosecution.

Cops say the thugs were driving around Patchogue looking for Hispanics to jump on Nov. 8, 2008, when they spotted Marcelo Lucero, 37, walking with a friend near the train station. Lucero, a native of Ecuador, fought back with his belt as his friend ran for his life. Jeffrey Conroy, 18, allegedly plunged a knife into Lucero’s chest and faces a second-degree-murder charge.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/li_hate_crime_suspect_to_rat_on_dxPbqLexBgPh5Ni8uzgaMO#ixzz0W5QSglPo

New England’s 7th Spanish-language paper begins publishing

At a time when the recession is battering newspapers, a group of Latino journalists in Massachusetts has launched New England’s seventh Spanish-language weekly newspaper.

El Tiempo de Boston, or The Boston Times, began publishing last week as a free paper that focuses on communities with large Latino populations. Coverage also includes local immigration, financial consumer stories, and articles about Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.

“We saw that there was little coverage and information in other media and we wanted to respond to the needs of the Latino community,’’ said Maximo Torres, 60, founding director of the paper, a native of Peru where he was a journalism professor, and former city editor of Boston’s oldest Spanish-language paper, El Mundo.

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/11/06/new_englands_7th_spanish_language_paper_begins_publishing/

Oregon Latinos seek power in numbers

Like California’s 30 years ago, Oregon’s growing Latino population is reaching a tipping point: A critical mass of Latino professionals is starting to organize and influence state and local politics.

Inspired by telltale demographics and political under-representation, Latino leaders throughout the state have formed a group to plan a summit and develop a legislative platform relevant to Latinos.

The initiative — dubbed Latino Agenda for Action — unites statewide community organizations and leaders to build recognition, set priorities and eventually start a research institute or similar entity to inform the public and legislators about the state’s largest ethnic group.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/oregon_latinos_say_theyre_read.html

Seniors and doctors give key boost to healthcare bill

The din loudens from the left and right as a House vote nears on healthcare overhaul legislation.
Reporting from Washington – With a historic House vote on a $1-trillion healthcare bill barely 48 hours away, battle lines are hardening as lobbying groups for seniors and doctors endorse the legislation, while thousands of protesters swarmed Capitol Hill to oppose it.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-health-congress6-2009nov06,0,4332468.story

News Clips Nov. 5, 2009

Health Care Reform Legislation Becomes Vehicle for Reshaping Immigration Policy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Current versions of both the
House and Senate health care reform bills contain inadequate verification
measures that will fail to prevent millions of illegal aliens from accessing
taxpayer funded health benefits, charges the Federation for American
Immigration Reform (FAIR). And in a radical change from current law, both
versions of the bill grant immediate health care benefits to immigrants
currently subject to a 5-year waiting period before they may access most
federal benefits.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS245297+04-Nov-2009+PRN20091104

Election Results May Boost Immigration Reform in Congress

Viewed through the lens of the immigration issue, the overall results of yesterday’s elections might be called a mixed bag. Republican gubernatorial candidates who promised more hardline immigration stances won races in Virginia and New Jersey.

But two vacant seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (in New York’s 23rd District and California’s 10th District) were picked up by Democrats. As I explain below, these pick-ups should make it just a bit easier for House Democrats to marshal the votes needed to advance on comprehensive immigration reform, which they have promised to do before the end of this year.

http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=bbdc3465b83f44d4792bbad01bd2bd0b

28 illegal immigrants rescued from locked tractor trailer

By Ray Gomez

(video)

The discovery was made on Tuesday, as the driver of a tractor-trailer was going through the I-35 checkpoint. The scanner operator at the checkpoint noticed several irregularities.

Agents opened the trailer and found 28 illegal immigrants inside: 20 men, 7 women and one girl; none required medical attention.

The group and the truck driver were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

http://www.pro8news.com/news/local/69255077.html

Immigration at Issue in NY-23, Virginia, New Jersey Elections

Today’s elections, many of them in eastern seaboard states, are the first big political test for the Obama administration. While most pundits focus on whether or not Republican candidates will surge on a voter backlash against Obama policies, there’s another trend to watch: the surprising prominence of immigration politics.

Immigration has even surfaced as an issue in NY-23. The once-obscure upstate New York congressional district– where maverick conservative Doug Hoffman displaced the official Republican nominee– is now a cable news and blog sensation. As his upstart candidacy surged, Hoffman found himself holding forth on immigration policy on Fox News.

http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=19f3d924079ab81eebebdc063616c213

Driving while Hispanic?

In Dallas, police officers have been ticketing drivers for not being able to speak English. Racism or an innocent error?

Since 2007, police officers in Dallas have issued dozens of traffic tickets to drivers who don’t speak English. All but one of the motorists cited were Hispanic. The police department has acknowledged it erred—that, in fact, no laws were violated—and is investigating the incidents. But what does the pattern mean?

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/102439/Driving_while_Hispanic

Driving Without English

Police officers giving drivers $204 tickets for not speaking English? It sounds like a rejected Monty Python sketch. Except the grim reality is that it has happened at least 39 times in Dallas since January 2007, according to The Dallas Morning News. At least six officers in several different patrol divisions wrote the tickets, each time citing a driver for violating a law that does not exist. All but one of the drivers were Hispanic.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/opinion/04wed3.html

Latino Families’ Fight for Banking Reform

One of the most devastating consequences of today’s economic turmoil is the large-scale loss of nearly a generation of wealth among Latino homeowners. With a new foreclosure occurring every 13 seconds, we face the turning point of a catastrophe that demands immediate action and long-term solutions. Many of these foreclosures are driven by a perfect storm of job loss and toxic mortgages sold to families despite the fact that they qualified for a standard prime loan.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-murguia/latino-families-fight-for_b_345482.html&cp

CEDILLO AND LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS HOST “EL PODER VERDE” GREEN JOBS SUMMIT

LOS ANGELES – State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and the California Latino Legislative Caucus convened “El Poder Verde” Green Jobs Summit last week in downtown Los Angeles. The summit was organized to bring together public and private sector stakeholders mobilizing the “green movement” throughout the state. Organizers and participants stressed the importance of meeting climate change goals while providing high quality and lasting employment at all skill levels, and in particular, in poor and underserved communities.

http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/127188

News Clips Nov. 4, 2009

Lawrence elects state’s first Latino mayor

Voters in Lawrence today elected the state’s first Latino mayor, voters in Newton elected that city’s first African-American mayor, and voters in North Adams, Woburn and Brockton ousted incumbent mayors in a day of surprising shakeups.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/11/_voters_in_more.html

Historic wins for black, Latino and female mayors

Minority candidates made history in Massachusetts mayoral elections Tuesday, while it was a mixed result for many long-term incumbents.

In Lawrence, state Rep. William Lantigua became the first Latino to be elected mayor in state history, defeating city councilor David Abdoo. Incumbent Mayor Michael Sullivan was barred from running again due to term limits.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091104lawrence_votes_for_first_latino_mayor_in_bay_state_brockton_woman_takes_top_job/

Health Care Debate Focuses on Legal Immigrants

The debate over health care for illegal immigrants continues to percolate in Congress despite the Obama administration’s efforts to put it to rest, with lawmakers in both houses also wrangling over how much coverage to provide for immigrants who have settled in the country legally.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/health/policy/04immig.html

Months into Obama’s presidency, promise of ‘change’ is a slow go

Washington (CNN) — On that unusually balmy Chicago night a year ago, the candidate who campaigned on what he called the “fierce urgency of now” became the president-elect who needed time.

“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term,” Barack Obama told the crowd in Grant Park. And he still needs time to turn a myriad of campaign promises into policy.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/04/obama.promises/

Hispanics urged to make census count

Cities plan outreach to allay fears of government probing that could limit federal dollars
Census Day is still five months away, but communities throughout the Chicago area, hoping for a larger share of federal dollars tied to the decennial population survey, are scrambling to get minorities, low-income residents and other traditionally reluctant groups to stand up and be counted.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-census-zones-04nov04,0,5031678.story

G.O.P. Counters With a Health Plan of Its Own

WASHINGTON — House Republicans have come up with an answer to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, drafting an alternative health care bill that would reward states for reducing the number of uninsured, limit damages in medical malpractice lawsuits and allow small businesses to band together and buy insurance exempt from most state regulation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/health/policy/04health.html

CNN Poll: More Americans are saying that things are going well

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The number of Americans who think things are going well in the country today is at its highest level in two years, according to a new national poll.

Thirty-seven percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday night say that things are going very well or fairly well in the country. That’s the highest number since November 2007, just before the official beginning of the current recession. It also represents a 7-point gain since August and a 12-point gain since October of last year.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/03/cnn-poll-more-americans-are-saying-that-things-are-going-well/

News Clips Nov. 3, 2009

Friendly Fire? CNN’s Lou Dobbs Gets Called Out By CNN’s Reliable Sources

On this week’s Reliable Sources, Howard Kurtz struck back at CNN cohort Lou Dobbs. Dobbs had claimed earlier in the week that he and his wife had been shot at in their New Jersey home, in part due to the “national liberal media” and its coverage in the immigration debate.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/friendly-fire-lou-dobbs-get-called-out-on-cnns-reliable-sources/

UPDATE: US High Court Seeks Opinion On Ariz Immigration Case

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–The U.S. Supreme Court asked the Solicitor General to comment on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s challenge to an Arizona immigration law on Monday.

At issue is whether federal immigration law prevents states from imposing their own penalties on businesses that employ illegal immigrants.

“Without immediate action by this Court, the crazy-quilt of state and local immigration statutes will continue to expand, multiplying burdens on employers and unfairness to employees,” the Chamber of Commerce argued in its brief to the high court.

The Chamber filed suit after Arizona passed a law in 2007 imposing penalties on businesses that hire illegal immigrants and requiring all employers to use an online verification system.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091102-711247.html

Immigration: There’s a Human Rights Crisis Within Our Borders

Treatment of immigrant detainees tells of the shameless brokenness of America’s immigration system. Even the valiant efforts by some to lessen the suffering of families caught in the immigration web are stymied by the lack of rational immigration reform.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/immigration/143669/immigration:_there%27s_a_human_rights_crisis_within_our_borders/

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Salutes Justice Sonia Sotomayor

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The United States Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), along with several leading national Hispanic
organizations, co-hosted the Friends of Justice Sonia Sotomayor reception in
October to honor the newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice. The USHCC was
pleased to celebrate the nation’s first Hispanic and only its third female

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS169784+02-Nov-2009+PRN20091102

Hispanic Women Run for Nevada Office

Several candidates hope to alter the composition of the Nevada State Legislature. There are currently no Hispanic women serving in the legislature, but four have already announced they will run next year. Three of them are from Northern Nevada.

“As far as I know in the history of Nevada we have never had a Hispanic woman elected to the legislature,” Ellie Lopez-Bowlan, a Republican candidate for Assembly District 26, said.

While that’s not immediately clear, it is clear that there are no Hispanic women serving in the current legislature, but there are three Latinos.

http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/68829687.html

Study: More Latinos Graduating High School

The high school graduation rate for Latinos is up in Lehigh Valley’s public schools, according to a new study. Officials with the Lehigh Valley Research Consortium and Muhlenberg College teamed up to do the study for the Latino Education Coalition. The study reports 22% of Lehigh Valley students are Latino, compared to 7% statewide.  Officials say many Latino students say they feel isolated in school.

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1292339

Breaking News Today!!! Valerie Jarrett Online Chat on Health Insurance Reform’s Impact on Minority Communities

Today  at 3:30pm Valerie Jarrett is holding an online

chat to discuss how health insurance reform will impact minority

communities and all Americans.

 

Let’s make sure our voices are heard in this chat.

Don’t forget to write “Democracia USA” when asked how you found out about this online chat.

 

Submit your questions now, or join us today at 3:30 pm here at WhiteHouse.gov

or at Facebook.com/WhiteHouse to submit your question live during the

discussion.

 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ope/webform/valerie-jarrett-health-insurance-reform-all-americans

 

GOTV in New Jersey!

The New Jersey election is near and Democracia USA is outthere hitting the streets and reminding the community to Vote this Tuesday November 3^rd.  Clowns, candy and canvassers gathered in Camden, NJ to invite the community to get out the vote.  Throughout the day kids danced and played games with clowns as their parents learned about voting locations and their rights to vote.  Throughout this week we have canvassers going door-to-door reminding the community to go out and vote.  We’re also providing volunteer rides for those in need of transportation to voting locations.  Engaging in democracy is an action that Democracia USA strives to promote and educate the Latino community in.  If you have any questions concerning your voting locations or right to vote please visit our website  www.DemocraciaUSA.org or call our NJ office for local information at 856-661-9192.

News Clips Nov. 2, 2009

Lou Dobbs Says His Views Made His Home a Target

The New Jersey State Police are investigating a report of gunfire this month at the Sussex County home of Lou Dobbs, the outspoken CNN anchor and radio host.
Investigators have not reached the same conclusion. “It’s unclear at this point what the intended target was,” Sgt. Stephen Jones of the State Police said Friday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/nyregion/31dobbs.html

Was somebody deliberately shooting at Lou Dobbs’ house?

In New Jersey, the state police are investigating after a bullet hit CNN host Lou Dobbs’ house. It’s not clear if the shot was intentional or just accidental, maybe from a hunter’s bullet. The authorities say they’re investigating partly because Dobbs is a public persona. The broadcaster says he’s gotten weeks of threatening phone calls.

http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2009/10/was-somebody-deliberately-shooting-at-lou-dobbs-house.html

Ariz. sheriff’s safety reviewed after Dobbs scare

PHOENIX — The security of an Arizona sheriff who has aggressively cracked down on illegal immigration is under review after a shooting scare involving CNN commentator Lou Dobbs.

A bullet struck Dobbs’ New Jersey home on Oct. 5. On his radio show this week, Dobbs connected the gunshot to his advocacy for a crackdown on illegal immigration.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jrPv-Fy1EC0xekGxViqQwpu0RsUgD9BN44802

Lou Dobbs takes flak from many directions. He fires back too.

CNN’s Lou Dobbs is a man with a mission: Keep hammering on immigration in the United States.

He’s been at it for years, warning that immigrants (illegal and sometimes legal) are a threat to the country’s economic and social well-being, maybe even its domestic tranquility and security.

http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/10/31/lou-dobbs-takes-flak-from-many-directions-he-fires-back-too/

Immigrant Jail Tests U.S. View of Legal Access

A startling petition arrived at the New York City Bar Association in October 2008, signed by 100 men, all locked up without criminal charges in the middle of Manhattan.
In vivid if flawed English, it described cramped, filthy quarters where dire medical needs were ignored and hungry prisoners were put to work for $1 a day.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/nyregion/02detain.html

New report from labor groups makes case for immigration reform

Washington, DC – A report released today by leading labor organizations shows how the federal government’s recent approach to workplace immigration enforcement has harmed efforts to protect both immigrant and native-born workers’ rights while allowing unscrupulous employers to operate with near impunity.

http://www.examiner.com/x-9270-LA-Border-and-Immigration-Examiner~y2009m10d27-New-report-from-labor-groups-makes-case-for-immigration-reform

The Hispanic Market Is Set to Soar

The 2010 Census will radically alter the demographic map and the rules of engagement between Hispanic and general-market shops
Hispanic Americans continue to grow in number at a rate four times that of the general population, with the 2010 Census expected to show their total rising to nearly 50 million, from 38 million in 2000. And second-generation Hispanics are fast becoming the driver of the group’s growth, with 88 percent of Hispanic children born in America, versus 61 percent of adults.

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i26911e62ce1ee0f7f41748d31d4e42a0?imw=Y

Brands focus on social media to target multicultural groups

Kodak recently launched its first all-digital marketing initiative geared toward a multicultural consumer group. Teaming with Yahoo en Español, “Muestra Tu Herencia” (Show Your Heritage) was designed to encourage Hispanic consumers to share photos online that display their heritage. Kodak created an online mosaic of the images and for each one uploaded, donated $2 to the Hispanic College Fund.

http://www.prweekus.com/Brands-focus-on-social-media-to-target-multicultural-groups/article/155897/

Latinos celebrate ‘Dia de los Muertos’

PASCO — Though last night’s ghouls and goblins have hung up their costumes, some Tri-Citians continue to wait for a visit from some spirits.

Homemade altars are a common sight in many Latino households as part of the Dia de los Muertos holiday, coinciding with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days Nov. 1-2.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/local/story/776216.htmlv

Obama Strategy on Health Care Legislation Appears to Be Paying Off

WASHINGTON — After months of plodding work by five Congressional committees and weeks of back-room bargaining by Democratic leaders, President Obama’s arms-length strategy on health care appears to be paying dividends, with the House and the Senate poised to take up legislation to insure nearly all Americans.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/health/policy/02health.html

GOP Set to Propose Its Own Health Bill

WASHINGTON — Republicans are preparing an alternative health-care bill to Democratic legislation, House Republican Leader John Boehner said, marking a shift in strategy as the full House is set to begin debate on the issue this week.

Mr. Boehner said Sunday the Republican bill would extend health-insurance coverage to “millions” of Americans but wouldn’t try to match the scope of the House Democratic bill unveiled last week. The Democratic legislation, if passed, is estimated to expand coverage to more than 30 million Americans now without insurance. Its estimated gross cost is $1.055 trillion over 10 years.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125711811707721639.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular

News Clips Oct. 30, 2009

Bullet hits Lou Dobbs’ NJ home with wife nearby

WANTAGE, N.J. — Police in New Jersey are trying to determine who fired a bullet that struck CNN commentator Lou Dobbs’ home as his wife stood nearby. State police Sgt. Stephen Jones says Dobbs’ wife and driver were outside the home Oct. 5 when they heard the gunshot. Jones says the bullet didn’t penetrate the siding and fell to the ground outside.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKAQaVPa_JHrJ01-MM6IqZ0VlNUgD9BL11702

Police look into gunshot at Dobbs’ home

(CNN) — A gunshot struck the home of CNN anchor Lou Dobbs this month, and police in New Jersey are trying to determine whether the bullet was fired intentionally or was a stray.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/29/new.jersey.dobbs.gunshot/

Police Probe Shot Fired at Home of CNN’s Lou Dobbs

“They’ve created an atmosphere and they’ve been unrelenting in their propaganda,” Dobbs said in reference to pro-immigration groups like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Council of La Raza and America’s Voice. “Three weeks ago this morning, a shot was fired at my house where I live. My wife was standing out and that followed weeks and weeks of threatening phone calls.”

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,570296,00.html

Lou Dobbs: Gunshots Fired At Me, My Wife, My House

Lou Dobbs said on his radio show that gunshots have been fired at him, his wife, and their home in the past few weeks — and he blames his critics (via NewsBusters).

“They’ve created an atmosphere and they’ve been unrelenting in their propaganda,” Dobbs said on his radio show earlier this week.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/29/lou-dobbs-gunshots-fired_n_338606.html

Joe Arpaio Cries Wolf, Links Self to Lou Dobbs Threat, Slanders Activists

s Sheriff Joe “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” or “America’s Biggest Wimp”? That’s what I can’t help wondering as I read this latest press release from his PR staff. It lamely attempts to link the folks who protest Joe almost daily outside downtown Phoenix’s Wells Fargo Building — where Arpaio keeps two floors of ultra-expensive executive offices — to Lou Dobbs’ recent report that a gun was fired outside his house three weeks ago.

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bastard/2009/10/joe_arpaio_cries_wolf_yet_agai.php

Counties scramble to serve a growing Hispanic community

In the last decade, Oldham and other suburban Kentucky counties have seen their Hispanic populations more than double, sending schools, social service agencies, churches and businesses scurrying to add translators, Spanish brochures or events geared toward Hispanic families.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20091029/NEWS01/910300301/Counties+scramble+to+serve+a+growing+Hispanic+community

Another President Bush in the Making?

“Come on — jump on in,” said Michelle Dean, national communications director for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. That organization was launched by George P. Bush’s grandfather, George H.W. Bush, when he was chairman of the Republican National Committee in the early 1970s.

Dean said George P. is “absolutely huge” among Hispanic Republicans, owing to his Latino heritage — his mother is from Mexico — fluent Spanish, famous name and the good looks that once earned him a place on People magazine’s list of 100 top bachelors. (He’s since gotten married.)

If he gets into politics, “He’ll have an immediate base,” she said. “And with his PAC — I think that’s going to be just huge.”

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/george-bush-president-republican-heir-bush-family-legacy/story?id=8951139

State colleges pitch education to Latinos

“If you want to get the students, you have to win over the ‘abuelas,’ ” Cuevas said, highlighting the Spanish word for grandmothers. “Part of recruiting these students is reassuring the mom, grandmother, uncle and everyone in the student’s life that college is the right next step.”

http://www.ajc.com/news/state-colleges-pitch-education-175937.html

House bill greatly expands health care coverage

(10-30) 04:00 PDT Washington – — There was rock music instead of trumpets as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and fellow House Democrats used every flourish Thursday to frame their new $894 billion health care measure as historic legislation on par with the creation of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare in 1965.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/10/30/MNR41ACDHL.DTL#ixzz0VQK4idCs

Health reform inches closer to endgame

By Ben Pershing
President Obama and congressional Democrats moved closer to the end of a very bumpy road this week, as the House now has a health-care reform bill that is expected to pass the chamber and the Senate is crafting a measure that is similar in many key respects.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/10/30/health_reform_inches_closer_to.html?wprss=44

News Clips Oct. 29, 2009

City leaders spar over immigration, 287(g)

HOUSTON—The immigration issue hit Houston City Hall today and bounced straight into the mayoral race.  It’s over 287(g), a partnership between local and federal authorities that gives local law enforcement the power to enforce immigration laws.

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou091028_nlc_287g-city-council-immigration-talks.260e1bb4d.html

Voting Present on Illegal Immigration

Immigration activists and Hispanic groups are demanding that President Obama deliver on his promised comprehensive package of immigration reform.

Already, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has derided federal sweeps of illegal aliens as “un-American.” And recently the Obama administration stripped the federal authority of Arizona’s controversial Maricopa County sheriff, Joe Arpaio, to make immigration arrests.

http://www.kfsm.com/news/politics/sns-200910281251tmsvdhansonctnvh-a20091028oct28,0,1218698.story

Sen. Vitter Tries to Use the Census to Further Anti-Immigration Agenda

Sen. Vitter it trying to use the Census to further his anti-immigration agenda, potentially costing the United States millions, writes Gebe Martinez.
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) has hit the trifecta by playing politics with the 2010 Census. Vitter is demanding that Congress cut off funding for the 2010 Census unless the survey asks an additional question: whether the respondent is a U.S. citizen.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/126097

Immigration Reform Still A Priority? ( FOX )

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas spoke to the media Wednesday in Chicago, and stated that despite a budget shortfall in excess of 100 million dollars, immigration reform remains a priority. The Director was in Chicago to meet with staff and the community in an effort to make the agency more transparent. Watch his comments here…

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/10/28/immigration-reform-still-a-priority/?test=latestnews

‘Mexican Man’ costume offends Latino shoppers, community groups

The photo on the costume packaging shows a man with a thick mustache wearing a poncho and a sombrero. Oakland resident Monica Plazola said she discovered the costume last week at the Spirit Halloween store in Emeryville, which she was visiting with her two children, ages 7 and 9.

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_13662212?nclick_check=1

House health-care reform bill to include public option

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will unveil a health-care reform bill on Thursday that includes a government insurance option and a historic expansion of Medicaid, although sticking points in the legislation involving abortion and immigration remain unresolved.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/28/AR2009102804756.html

House to Roll Out Its Health Care Bill Thursday

WASHINGTON — House Democratic leaders have scheduled a rally for Thursday where they plan to unveil legislation to overhaul the health care system, which they hope to take to the House floor next week.

http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/house-plans-to-roll-out-its-health-care-bill-on-thursday/?hp

Dallas Police Department Issues 39 Tickets to Spanish Speakers

Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle apologized yesterday for 39 tickets that were issued to Latinos who did not speak English during routine traffic stops. The chief launched an investigation into the reasoning behind 39 tickets issued over the past three years to Latinos who only spoke English. The tickets are being dismissed and all fines are being returned – but what is the Dallas Police department’s plan for restoring the dignity of those individuals who were ticketed?

Read more:

http://www.wibw.com/nationalnews/headlines/66760557.html