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Manhattan Diary by Cahir O'Doherty

Hispanics haven't forgotten the Dream Act

Posted on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 09:16 AM

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The statistics released by the Census Bureau last week demonstrated - unarguably - that America's Hispanic population has grown dramatically, which is very bad news for the GOP.

Hispanics now account for 16 percent of the nations total population, making them the largest minority in America.

And in an astounding finding, almost one quarter of the nations children under 17 are now Latino.

For a Republican strategist, reading these numbers must be like looking down into the Grand Canyon: vertiginous and possibly overwhelming. Having used immigration as a wedge issue for decades, the GOP must be kicking themselves now. Demographics are handy vote getters in the short run, but they can come back to haunt you in the long one.

In 2011 implacable opposition to immigration reform (any reform, anywhere, ever) is practically the first commandment of the Tea Party platform and consequently of mainstream Republicanism and it is already costing them dearly with this demographic.

Just look at where the Hispanic population grew by 100 percent (or more) between 2000 and 2010: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee. The heart of the south isn't looking as reliably red as it did even a decade ago.

For a GOP strategist that's a bit like discovering Democratic land mines planted all over reliably red states. And in California, Florida, New York and Texas - the states with the highest Hispanic populations - Latinos will soon account for 143 electoral votes.

It would help if GOP voters were in a conciliatory mood, but lets face it the Tea Party has managed to turn even Donald Trump into a gay-bashing birther. It will clearly do the same or nearly for every other GOP candidate - who in 2012 will be forced to compete to outdo each other to become the most reactionary candidate running. Recall how the Irish watched, with sorrow and disbelief, as John McCain morphed from immigration reformer to a hardliner as soon as he saw his numbers dip. It will be that way again.

That spells no quarter whatsoever for immigration reform, which in turn means no progress whatsoever for Hispanics.

It would be hard not to notice all the issues ranged against them. Hispanic voters have decried Arizona's draconian immigration laws, which they rightly consider racial profiling. They hear the shocking disrespect for their community regularly voiced on Fox News and Rush Limbaugh's programs. And the nation may have forgotten, but they themselves remember the fate of the Dream Act.

They know how they are talked about and treated. It’s inevitable they will remember that when they vote too.

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maloney | Apr 21, 2011, 12:32 AM EDT

beaner loving roohumper.

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dipperloop | Apr 14, 2011, 07:44 PM EDT

My God Cahir you are so clueless and i must say you sound like a liberal democrat....

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seanomelbourne | Apr 09, 2011, 08:01 PM EDT

Moloney you you chicken brain if you have nothing to offer to civil debate just crawl back into your trashy trailer and suck another bottle of moonshine.

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maloney | Apr 09, 2011, 02:19 PM EDT

Illegal aliens are lesser human beings. I've yet to meet a one that was as tall as I am. Chevy...don't be concerned with the childish prattle of seano..he's a roohumper...he slithers on his belly to catch em. The rest of rooland animals are safe, the roohumper hasn't learned to climb yet.

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seanomelbourne | Apr 08, 2011, 08:01 PM EDT

Branding economic refugees as criminals is emotive and is just another way to dehumanize them. It somehow assuages the guilt if they are branded as lesser human beings.

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rpmschevy | Apr 06, 2011, 01:04 AM EDT

First where was insult other than pointing out that you simply throw insults around without making any case, logical or otherwise. You feel insulted because I call you out? Second what childish language? Again you wish to insult without facts. Standard liberal fair. Third, definition of criminal, Noun: A person who has committed a crime. Entering the United States of America, or any country in the world, without proper paperwork or working in that country is committing a crime, thus is a criminal. Fourth, I never condemned illegal (hey there is the word that supports criminal) aliens. I condemn their actions which are criminal. If an illegal alien leaves this country, then files the necessary paperwork to enter here legally, I would support them for taking responsibilty. Fifth, as for your thought about whining (sp?) my point was, as stated before, is about responsibility for your actions. Also, this country is about equality and fairness. Without you get chaos and mayhem. So be fair. Be equitable. That is not happening now is it?

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hancock | Apr 05, 2011, 08:28 PM EDT

Australians.

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seanomelbourne | Apr 05, 2011, 07:59 PM EDT

I have not rebuked you for condemning illegal aliens neither have I accused you of insulting me.You state that you are on the right of the political spectrum. You do not mind using childish language in your condemnation of anything liberal.Your branding of all illegals as criminals is typically right wing.For all your degrees you did not make any practical statements on any issue.you just wanted to whinge about your family gaining entry legally and then feeling hard done by.You keep harping on about "logical independent thought"maybe you should practice what you preach or take a long hard look in the "looking glass" Alice.

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rpmschevy | Apr 04, 2011, 11:18 PM EDT

Seano what? You are so freaking amazing. I never insulted you, but that is all you can do. You have no ability to develop a logical independent thought without insult. Amazing how you liberals are. First, I never watch Fox, I do not need too. Second, my first degree was in History, specifically American history and about the development of this great Republic (not Democracy). My second degree is in Accounting. Currently a high level systems consultant who can and does have an ability to develop logical thought without assistance from liberal "think tanks" (oxymoron if there ever was one). Try again seano to develop a coherent retort to my cross-examination. It is actually simple. Why must the United States let anyone in, especially CRIMINALS? Ireland has visa and rules on entry. I can visit Australia, but without a Valid Government issued Visa, I cannot work there or live there. Being that this is the LAW, I would follow it. So again I ask, why should we follow the LAW and pay those fees and consequences, and these CRIMINALS do not have to do so? Of course you will not be able to debate this subject and will, like nearly all liberals attack me because you have an inability to develop an argument for your feelings.

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hancock | Apr 04, 2011, 02:34 PM EDT

What do you expect.

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hancock | Apr 04, 2011, 02:34 PM EDT

He's Australian.

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seanomelbourne | Apr 04, 2011, 02:47 AM EDT

Chevy get off the cross I need the timber to build you a pulpit.If you and Hancock act like children that's the way you should expect to be treated. To think my great grand father fought for the union what a wasted enterprise.BTW I am Irish born. Now twaddle on back to your respective trailers and switch on your Fox religious studies.

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hancock | Apr 03, 2011, 07:09 PM EDT

He's australian.

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seanomelbourne | Apr 02, 2011, 08:04 PM EDT

Here's a penny go find 199,999 friends and stop moaning like a teahadist girl.

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seanomelbourne | Apr 01, 2011, 05:08 AM EDT

What's your query? all I read is drivel no wonder IC rubs you out.

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