Adios Republicanos

I originally was going to review an article I found in the Austin American Statesman concerning how the Texas representatives run around on the floor using the electronic voting machines to enter votes for non present members, and even signing the absent lawmakers as present when in fact they are not. A practice referred to as “Ghost Voting”. "Specter of Voting Practice Present"

In my opinion this amounts to outright fraud, as citizens we would be fired if another employee clocked us in at work and we would be expelled for dishonesty if another student signed us in on a class roll. However, the Texas legislature seems to feel they are exempt from even their own rules on this matter.

That is about all I really have to say on the subject though… not a very interesting review. I do feel that it is something that deserves to be mentioned so I posted the link above for you to read at your leisure.
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Now, moving on, since our Discussion Question 2 was concerning an Arizona style immigration law, I thought I would expand on the subject and review "Will ‘Sanctuary Cities‘ Galvanize Texas Latinos?" written by Julian Aguilar in " The Texas Tribune "

In the article, Mr. Aguilar discusses how the recent attempt to pass a conservative leaning “Sanctuary City” bill in the recent Texas legislative session might act as a catalyst for bringing more Hispanics into the political process and cost the Republican party their support. Mr. Aguilar writes mostly articles that reflect issues relative to the Hispanic community and relations with Mexico. Although writing for a specialized niche, he maintains a high degree of journalistic integrity. His writing is emotionally neutral and he refrains from the use of extremist nomenclature and incitement. He neutrally includes various sources and opinions to paint a broad and informed picture for the audience from which they can then base their own opinions. I really wish we would see this more in the "mainstream" media.

I actually found the article very interesting. I am not Hispanic myself and, although Texas is now around 38% Hispanic, I have to admit that I actually have very little exposure to the Hispanic community on a daily basis living in western Round Rock. This article gives an insight to political elements within the Hispanic community and how the same issues are viewed through different lenses. In addition It also presented a historic parallel from California in which an attempt to pass similar legislation contributed to the virtual demise of the Republican party in that state and helped turn California solidly blue.

Rather than just being a typical “Democrats bash Republicans” article, it draws a lot of its commentary from Hispanic Republicans themselves and their concerns that the anti-immigration stance of the conservatives is hurting support for the Republicans within their demographic.

It also provides the viewpoint of a Hispanic Republican that left the party to become an Independent and their dissatisfaction with how both parties have treated the immigration issue. Representing the Right Wing, Comments from a member of the Texas Tea Party indicate they will be out in force as well to retaliate against the Republican lawmakers who failed to pass the bill.

It will be interesting to see how all the elements discussed play out in 2012. If the Democrats can capitalize on the Hispanic vote and the Republicans continue their attacks on moderates within their own party, it could make some closely challenged races and independents shifting back to the left… but I will save the rest of that idea for my next entry.