WHY IS IT?

Sometimes, I reflect on the articles that I have written and I ask myself why is it? For example, when I wrote about the Ledger Dispatch should look into having a page in the Spanish language I was amazed that all the letters to the Editor where from readers with American last names. Not one letter or email to me came from a Spanish surname. Why is it? Is it because the Latino’s that I am writing about are not buying the newspaper? Is it because they don’t read my articles? Is it because as many Americans might say they still have not learned the English language? Think about it. For the Latino community that wants more attention we must move up to the plate and have our voices heard. So don’t be shy when you should take the initiative to express yourself.

Why is it? That the things most people like best are illegal, fattening, dangerous to their health or immoral? It takes a special person with God’s help to live a moral and healthy life.

Why is it? That the Latino youth dropout rate is increasing? Is it because many of their Latino parents have turn into the new generation of work, work, work and not enough time for their children? Or can it be that the parents never learned English in the first place and are not involved in their children’s education?

Why is it? That an employer will use and use the bilingual person at their job, allow the bilingual person to spend most of their day interpreting, selling, or doing customer service for them, and still having to be responsible for their own duties and not being rewarded financially for their help? Doesn’t it make more sense to pay someone a higher hourly or annual rate when they have an edge for being able to speak both the English and Spanish language?

Why is it? That some people can show compassion, genuine interest, and even love for animals and yet to their own sibling, or other people they are totally rude or they cannot show any affection to others.

Why is it? That the leaders of most Latin America countries are corrupt, dictators, and all for themselves and so little for the people that elected them? Can power change a person that much? Is it that the Latino community is too gullible and they vote with emotions without seeing the real person for what he or she really stands for?

Why is it? That the deposits in foreign countries that are given to help or given for relief are so easily stolen by some high up official or mysteriously disappear? Is there not some type of accounting system that could be developed by the UN or the World Bank in order to prevent such abuse of funds?

Why is it? That things can turn out so bad when you are only trying to do things right? Can it be that you are trying to hard?

Why is it? That East Contra Costa has not been able to put on a Hispanic/Latino festival with live music representing all the ethnic groups that we find here. A carnaval celebrating our music, our traditions and our love for people. Surely, we have plenty of groups out there that by working together should consider putting on a great “Pachanga” (celebration) .We should also consider putting it on as a joint venture with the Filipino community.

Why is it? That Americans don't have the patient needed when something goes wrong? Is it because we are so used to being on the fast track, just like the quick food that we eat?

Well, I gave you a few things to ponder on today. Keep smiling and give someone a hug.