HISPANIC STRENGTH: Proposition 50 Deserves Support
By Don C. Reed
My wife of 50 years was Hispanic (she recently passed away) and very strong in faith and family. But politically, I always felt Latinos never fully utilized their power. In California, for example, Hispanics are the largest ethnic group (39%) but the weakest in terms of voting (25%). This should change.
If you are Latino, or care for someone who is, now is the time to exert your strength — by voting “YES!” on Proposition 50. Let me tell you why.
President Donald J. Trump recently told the Governor of Texas (Greg Abbott, R) to draw up 5 new voting districts — in a way that would benefit Republicans. You may be sure Governor Abbott complied.
Unless those 5 new districts are balanced, Republicans will have a huge advantage in the House of Representatives — and Trump will continue in power.
But California is fighting back. Led by Governor Gavin Newsom, Proposition 50 will put 5 new Democratic districts onto the map in California, This will match the 5 new Republican districts in Texas, and give us a chance at fairness again.
As an Hispanic, what matters most to you? The economy? Food prices? Jobs? Immigration? Whatever you choose, which party is more likely to stand by you??
Example: Can we agree America needs an earned path to citizenship, allowing a certain number of deserving immigrants entry to America- which already benefits from their hard work and decency?
Which party would support that? Even if President Trump promised he would, I am not sure I could believe him. I remember other promises he made, such as that only proven lawbreakers would be deported — Was that promise kept?
The armies of ICE appear to be arresting almost anybody with a brown skin, including folks with no criminal records whatsoever.
Hispanics are being chased constantly, living in fear of deportation — — perhaps so they will stay home — and not come out and vote!
Think about the work Latino immigrants do, hard and low-paying, often that which no one else will do. I did farm labor in the fields a couple Summers, and have never forgotten the stabbing backpain, bending to pluck strawberries from the dirt, or reaching high for apricots, in blasting heat.
I expect little help from Republicans, those in power now. And if they get more districts under control, I fear it will only make things worse.
But if we could block their domination, there is a chance to make things fair.
Proposition 50 is that chance.
So lend your strength to pass Proposition 50. Help any way you can. Make small donations, volunteer to make phone calls, pass out fliers — — and talk, talk,talk — spread the word!
This matters, Yesterday I asked a friend to vote YES on Prop 50. She said she would- and that she would talk about it with her family, too.
Next day she called me up, and said her whole family was going to vote YES on Prop 50! That meant four YES votes for just one “ask ” — so ask your friends!
But don’t take my word for it — look to people you trust, like Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the Farm Workers Union, or the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, or the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
First, the overall list, the Yes on 50 Coalition. This is a very long list, and also contains many non-Latino groups. (1)
The next list is narrowed down to Hispanic groups in support of Prop 50. Any errors are my own.
Contact as many as you like, from either list. As Ronald Reagan said, “Trust — and verify.” And then support. Use your power. Support Prop 50 — and vote.
Below are Hispanic groups which support Proposition 50. (2)
Comite Civico Del Valle
Communities for a New California Action Fund
Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)
Courage California
Democratic Allies
Democratic National Committee (DNC) ~ Sept Hispanic Heritage Month
Dolores Huerta Action Fund
El Concilio CA
Hispanic Federation
Hispanos Unidos
Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition
Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice
LA Voice Action
Latino Community Foundation:
Latino Equality Alliance
Latino Policy Coalition Move On
Latino Victory Fund
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club
United Latinos
Unity Council
Voices for Progress
Voto Latino
1. https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/11/california-election-latino-voters/
2. https://stopelectionrigging.com/yes-on-50-coalition