The Progressive Latino

Food Stamp Cuts Spark Bible Debate

WASHINGTON -- Republican and Democrats sparred this week on where Jesus Christ would stand on food stamps, a federal program that supported 47 million Americans last year.

On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee approved Republican legislation that would reform farm subsidies and trim the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by roughly $2.5 billion a year. Republicans want fewer Americans to qualify for food stamps simply because they receive benefits from another safety net program. Under the new legislation, more people would have to pass income and asset tests to be eligible for food stamps. Nearly 2 million fewer people would qualify.

Rep. Juan Vargas, a California Democrat and former member of the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order, said he favored a Democratic amendment to undo the cuts because Jesus made himself clear on feeding the poor.

via www.huffingtonpost.com

The Right like to thump their bible and talk about family values but when it comes time to walk the talk helping the poor is not as easy or desirable as just hating gays and being anti-abortion. TPL thought we would take a break from the other news and have you read this article and hopefully think about it. So really Jesus would not want the Federal government to provide food stamp but that he would want such charity to come from the individual or volunteer organizations. Really? Well we think that in our hearts we all know the answer. To help 47 million, food stamps and other programs are needed because the other way is not sufficient. Guess Jesus is ok though with more tanks even though the military does not want more. Guess Jesus is ok with a 2d F-35 engine even though the military does not want it but no to our poor? Think about this whenever you feel any doubt about being a progressive democrat. TPL. Like us on Facebook and please share our blog with your friends.

Right Wing Ryan got it all wrong!!!

The economy is improving and even as the stock market hits 15000 for the first time, noramlly a good sign - well in this case its bad and its Obama’s fault.  The Right has made the debt the big deal but it is getting smaller and they can’t deal with that.  Obamacare was to destroy the economy but it looks like it will do fine.  Yes, it has growing pains and the administration is reacting to its implementation challenges but none the less, Obamacare has many provisions to cut cost or control cost.  It will be hard to implement because the Right wing will do everything it can to kill it be not approving funding etc.  The Right acts as if under the Progressives, we just seek a welfare state - far from it and why they are now having problems.  Progressives believe in capitalism and the market but also know that the corporate elite is greedy and left along it will pay substandard wages or not follow regulations as in the BP oil disaster.  Oh and yes we have the poor to help - something in the bible the Right holds to their chest so ofther but we are our brothers keepers.  Yes, the left believes in prosperity for all as much as possible not just the top 1 percent!  See article at link:  The Facts Are In and Paul Ryan Is Wrong.  The Progressive Latino Like us on Facebook and share with your friends.   Credits for pic to ThinkProgress.

Heritage Foundation Right wing Scare Tactics!!

A recent Heritage study concludes that immigration reform will cost “$6.3 trillion over the next 50 years.”  Even Republicans are trashing the study.  Only God know how much anything will cost us in 50 yrears.  Note, they did not pick something more reasonable like 10 years for which one can expext decent economic forcasts.  See the Center for American Progress’ data for 10 years - just over $800 Billion to be gained from legalization!!  Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, one of the more prominant Republicans, and one who favors immigration refornm stated, "This study is designed to try to scare conservative Republicans into thinking the cost here is going to be so gigantic that you can't possibly be for it," he said.  Latinos, you don’t have to be an economist to figure out that more citizens equals more tax revenue, more money injected into the economy to buy stuff, and more paid into social security and Medicare.  Get the picture? By the way this is important - do you recall how much the Right wing has been fighting against the “mandate” in Obamacare?  Well, my friends, just note that the “mandate” was the original idea of the Heritage Foundation back when it was fighting Clinton on health care:)   Yes, it is hypocritical and just shows that they will use whatever made up story to get their way and right now Latinos are in their way.  President Obama can't do it by himself - call your Congressman and stay engaged.  The Progressive Latino.  Like us on facebook.  Credit for pic to jesus-is-savior.com.  

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$832 Billion for Immigration Reform!!!!

Americans can benefit in an enormous way from immigration reform if it leads to legalization and citizenship.  How much?  The US economy could stand to gain $832 Billion!!  This is if we act fast and just give legal staus in 2013.  The Center for American Progress put together an infographic you need to review and share see Infographic: How Legalization and Citizenship Helps the Economy.   So immigration is not just a humane thing to do but it will improve our economy.  The leadership of the Right knows this but again it just does not matter.  All they see is more democratic votes and a less white America.  Stay on top of your congressman for this will not be an easy fight.  Imagin if over 80% of Americans are for background checks and the gun control bill still failed it will be harder for immigration.  The Progressive Latino.  Like us on Facebook and share with friends.   Credits for pic to Center for American Progress.

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7.5% and 15000!!!!!!

Latinos, these are great numbers!!!  The April jobs report indicted that the unemployment rate is down to 7.5%.  That is the lowest in 4 years.   It might be lower if not for sequestration.  The other number, 15000 is related to the Dow Jones, which hit 15000 for the first time.  Not back for a socialist MuslimJ  Yes, the Right keeps calling our president a socialist or Muslim among many names but you can’t deny the fact that the economy keeps on getting better in spite of the Obstructionist, Republican Congress being against everything Obama wants including his jobs bill.  Never forget or let a loud mount Right winger forget that it was 8 years of Bush that led our country to the brink of a depression.  So Latinos as I know you know – it is not just about immigration but the economy as well.   It has been moving in the right direction – away from disaster to success.  The Progressive Latino  - Like us on Facebook.  Share with friends.  Credits for pic to Whitehouse.gov

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Loooong Path to Citizenship and Billions for Border Security!!!

Rubio is having a hard time getting his Right wing compadres to go along with the Gang of 8 immigration bill but he acknowledged that it likely will not pass the Republican controlled House.  Looks like they don’t want Latinos to have legal status and citizenship.  This is going to be a rough ride.  Then you have the other token Latino Ted Cruz who is now getting his own party leadership tired of him.   The gang of 8 has issued a 17 page summary of the bill.  Bottom line: $4.5 billion for border security and a looong path to citizenship.  Not good.  Its just a tad too hard in terms of all the conditions and the length of time.  The Hill has a good article that addresses the top five things to watch for - see link.  Think Progress has a very good summary.  So you can see what you are up against Latinos go to The Right-wing Heritage Foundation link to see there argument against immigration.  This will not be easy Latinos and you all need to get involved by calling your congressman and senators to tell them to pass immigration reform.  Tell your friends, get involved, stand up and be counted!!  The Progressive Latino.  Like us on Facebook.  Credits for pic to: madmikesamerica.com

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Right Wing Latino Crazy Talk!

  This is what a Latino opportunist looks like.   Cruz aside from looking and sounding like the old anti-communist Joe MacCarthy must have been studying Glen Beck as he is now talking crazy conspiracy BS.   It is a disgrace.  Much of what we hear from Cruz are accusations and trip up questions.  It will be difficult to find much of any substantive policy proposal from him.  One thing for sure - he is no Latino advocate and anyone that thinks so is one line deep in thought or only sees his last name as some sort of validation.  Note Latinos that the reason Cruz in this article tells us that the President wants us to fail is as Cruz states, "I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.  And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."  So get this as this is important what Cruz is saying is that the Republican party is not going to favor a path to citizenship!!!!  That’s it and he is trying to convince you that somehow it’s Obama not the Right that will prevent immigration reform.  It is not President Obama, it is him and his Right-wing gang that does not want 11 million undocumented to become citizens.  Start calling your Congressman if you want the immigration bill to pass and include a viable path to citizenship!!!  The Progressive Latino.   Credits for pic to The DailyBeast.

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Gun Control Killed - Next is Immigration!!!

The gang of 8 has introduced legislation for comprehensive immigration.  As expected the Right-wing haters are already voicing disapproval.  Leading the charge is the Right-wing Heritage Foundation and off course Rush and other hate-radio.  Rep. Steve King (R-IA) has denounced the bill as “Aggressive And Outrageous Amnesty.”  Amnesty is what they call having to wait over 10 years and pay back taxes to become an American citizen?  Is he real?  Many of the 11 million have been here 10 years so to wait 10 more years is a life time!  These self-righteous right-wingers who talk so much about illegals breaking our laws - where are they in calling out all the businesses that are breaking the law to hire undocumented and exploiting these human beings to make a profit?  Cruz is trying to decide if he will go against Rubio on immigration as he is very much against a path to any kind of citizenship.  But here is the main issue and well stated in this Huffington Post article by Michael Sargeant“America has one major political party which embraces Latino and other minority communities, and one that tells them to self-deport. One party is working to earn their vote, while the other has been working furiously to ensure they can't vote at all.”  Rubio is playing the fence by trying to appeal to the Tea party by emphasizing tough preconditions like border security yet giving in to Democratic demands for a path to citizenship with relatively immediate legal status.  To date the one problem TPL sees is the long wait time about ten years to become a citizen.  Hopefully Latino advocacy organizations will push for a fairer process were credit is given to time living here to those that can prove they have worked and have not broken any laws.  Pic credits to NCLR.  See related articles below .  TPL

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Watered Down Immigration Deal!

The Gang of 8 of which there are four Republicans and four Democrats is expected to announce their immigration proposal as early as this coming Tuesday.  Don’t get too excited.  Whatever comes out of this deal will likely be watered down by the time the Right wing Senators and then Congressmen hack it.  They will push for border to be secure BEFORE any of the 11 million get off on their LONG PATH to citizenship.  Just look at what Rubio tells Fox News, “Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) suggested Sunday that the bipartisan immigration reform currently being negotiated by eight senators would not constitute "amnesty" because the path to legal status it proposes would be more onerous than the standards under current law..."They don't qualify for any federal benefits -- no food stamps, no welfare, no Obamacare," “They will have to stay in that status until at least 10 years elapses ... and then all they get is a chance to apply for a green card.”  What is this?  So if you have been here 5 or more years - you now have to wait at least 10 more just to get a green card?  How is this reform much less compassion?  TPL’s question is where are the four Senators of this gang of 8?  Quite frankly, we are tired of seeing McCain and Rubio up front in the news with Schummer sticking his head up for air once in a while!  The president won because the Latinos voted overwhelmingly for him and it is time the Democratic leadership get out front and aggressively work for fair immigration reform.  Latinos and those who support immigration reform - time is now to call your representative and let them know they need to support compassionate immigration reform.  TPL                                                   ( www.theprogressivelatino.com and like us on Facebook).  Credits for pic to SEIU.org

Direct - Indirect Right-wing Slowroll of Immigration Reform

Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) calls America a “sinking ship.”  How dare he!!  This is disgusting as well as insightful hate talk to further turn Right-wing bigots against hard working people.  If he is serious about immigration what he should be doing is talking about how to stop his corporate buds from giving jobs to the undocumented.  Here in lays the hypocracy of the Right-wing zealots!  Its only about power and they use the regular guy, the self rightious bigots and racists out there that only need a small excuse to act on their hate.  He at least unlike Rubio is clear on his opposion to citizenship vs. Rubio who will say what he believes he will get away with to ensure his position with the Tea party while trying to depict himself as the Latino power broker.  He is no power broker, certainly not one to make a deal worthy of those Latinos that bust their rear end every day many holding down two or three jobs just to make it!!  Take note Latinos.  The Progressive Latino (www.theprogressivelatino.com).  Please Like us on Facebook.  Credit for pic to Demoracticunderground.com

Go Home Wetbacks!

Its a steady stream of racist, bigoted talk from the Right wing leadership.  Ya, the ones that want to tweak their message (not really change their views) to get your vote Latinos just had one more of them still refering to Mexicans as “wetbacks.”  Keep in mind that this is only what we hear in public not behind closed doors a la 47%:)  The “Wetback” comment is not isolated as it comes of the back of other discriminatory talk just see link here.  But you know what - your vote did matter as Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor responded quickly demanding an apology from one of their own even if for the wrong reason - yes your vote.  Check out this article by the Latina Lista at link.  The Progressive Latino (visit www.theprogressivelatino.com and “Like” us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/TheProgressiveLatino)   Credits for pic to Roaddrivers

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Will the Right allow a Real Path to Citizenship?

The Right wing seeking to be seen as supportive and even showing leadership ( a la McCain and Rubio) is still no doubt caught in the reality of its Right wing base beliefs, which have not changed much.  Thus border security as expected, has become the game the Right-wing will play.   The 2012 election told the Right that to win (its all about winning not changing views) in 2016, they need to reduce (read voting restriction laws) Latino votes from the Progressive Left and gain Latino votes on the Right.  So the fear on the Right is that in giving 11 million undocumented immigrants citizenship those new citizens will predominantly become Democrats, and thus make it harder not easier to win in 2016 and beyond.  So along comes the false argument that BEFORE we even begin to allow folks to begin their long path to citizen that the border must be “certified” secure.  Add to this a very long path to citizenship and guess what you make it hard to ever see many of the 11 million become citizens, maybe their children.   So don’t get your hopes up.  George Zurnick of The Nation wrote, “When one examines polls of Republican voters on immigration reform, and then looks at how many Congressional seats are held by the GOP, it is sadly easy to see that despite all the rosy talk, real immigration reform will remain elusive.”  So you really need to keep this thought in mind when considering to vote – you should and when interacting with others to help them understand the stakes.  For those who are citizens and don’t feel immigration does not impact then either way, guess again.  The Progressive Latino will address the impact of not passing immigration reform with a sensible path to citizenship.  Please visit us at www.theprogressivelatino.com and like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheProgressiveLatino)   The above cartoon is by Mike Keefe in The Denver Post.

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Donald Trump Wants More White, European Immigrants | TPMDC

For Republicans worried that creating a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants will simply create 11 million more Democratic voters, Donald Trump has a solution. Bring in more European immigrants.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside of Washington, D.C., on Friday, Trump warned that Republicans are on a “suicide mission” if they support immigration reform, claiming that every single illegal immigrant will end up voting Democratic.

“When it comes to immigration, you know that the 11 million illegals, even if given the right to vote — you know, you’re gonna have to do what’s right — but the fact is, 11 million people will be voting Democratic,” Trump said.

via tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com

Latinos, you can't make this up. Trump's answer to immigration - more white immigrants. U.S. immigration policy has for years been slated, favoring higher numbers of Europeans. You see the Right does not care for Latinos and even more knowing we will vote democrat. They have themselves to blame. TPL visit TPL at www.theprogressivelatino.com and like us on Facebook.

“It is good politics to oppose the black guy” - Really?

To give you an idea of how little they care about moving forward on jobs or anything else note the repugnant, racist attitude when South Carolina Congressman Crawford said. "It is good politics to oppose the black guy in the White House right now, especially for the Republican Party."  SC is also where immigration battle is heating up.  Senator Graham part of the group of 8 senators working towards a comprehensive immigration reform bill has received praise from pro-immigration groups but also his share of descent from Right-wing anti-immigration groups.    This week at CPAC (TPL will post on CPAC lunacies down the road) North Carolina, 30-year-old Scott Terry, in an minority outreach panel got off on blasting away for segregation of the races.  Really, segregation, today in 2013?  Maybe Mr. Terry should consider moving to Canada or somewhere else he might feel more comfortable in his whiteness and free to voice his hatred.   Latinos, you need to read the article here at link.  This is the type of hatred and bigotry that exist and has a very vocal voice in the Republican party for which its leadership does not challenge.  How can any minority much less a person of color live with them self in the Republican party?  See related articles below.  Visit our blog at www.theprogressivelatino.com and please share and like us on facebook!!!  Pic credits to the Dailybanter.com

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Right-wing Obamacare Hypocrisy

So now, get this, Marco Rubio will not agree to fund the continuing resolution i.e. keep the government running through end of the fiscal year, unless Obamacare is defunded.  This is nothing more than kissing Tea party rear-end as he knows his proposal will not pass.  The recent House bill went to the Senate without his provision, and quite frankly many republicans have stopped whining about Obamacare accepting it is the law of the land.  There are even several Right-wing governors that are now accepting Medicare expansion when before they were totally against any aspect of Obamacare.  Gov. Jan Brewer’s push to expand Medicaid is causing problems within her party in Arizona.  In Florida, Governor Brown has done the same now moving to expand Medicaid in his state.  He is among 8 right-wing governors including Chris Christie who was against Obamacare before he became for it:)  So much for principals.  So much for Big government.  So much for Obamacare being unconstitutional.  But there is more!!!  Just yesterday, Congressman Ryan (remember him) points out that the GOP budget being submitted assumes repeal of Obamacare!!  Have they not learned?  So Latinos when you hear any of these hypocrites start to claim credit remember who got Obamacare done.  Obamacare will help many Latinos who currently lack health care or have preexisting conditions.  The Medicaid expansion helps more Latinos because Medicare expansion would reach more economically deprived Latinos.  The Progressive Latino.  Visit us at www.theprogressivelatino.com.  Like us on Facebook and please share.

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Impact of Sequestration on Latinos

Sequestration has kicked in and unless Congress does something soon we will all feel its impact in a few months.  What is the impact?  Sequestration impacts will take place over time, and the reality is that since our political leadership assumed (never assume anything) it would never happen they are only starting to get the sense of it as different agencies deep dive to crunch numbers and determine impact and report out.  The sequestration budget cuts take place over 10 years but what you need to know is that there are direct and indirect effects.  For the average citizen it will be the indirect impact - the ripple effect at the grocery counter as food prices creep up, less government services we are used to even like the DMV due to furloughs or more layoffs as less folks buy less.  A 20 % cut in pay to government works mean less money for bsiness selling so it impacts small business in particular.  Job growth though steady might slow down and home values may go down just as they and construction are picking up.  Less government workers can impact as suggested in the news, airports, border security.  According to Fox News Latino,   “Included in the sequester chopping block are 5.1 percent cuts to government programs such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Head-Start and Title 1 Education. About 42 percent of participants in the WIC program, which provides food vouchers to low income mothers, are Latino and 300,000 young Latinos are part of the early education Head Start program.”  We hear lots about how the sequester will impact the Defense Department but other sectors of society will get hit.  Here at link is info on impact to health.  The Progressive Latino.  Visit us at www.theprogressivelatino.com and like us on facebook.

9 Popular Progressive Ideas | ThinkProgress

The president signed the Violence Against Women Act today, which proves Washington can get things done if House Republicans drop their intransigent resistance long enough to allow important bills to come to a vote.

Here’s 9 other popular progressive ideas that should become the law of the land:

BOTTOM LINE: Support for progressive ideas and values isn’t limited to Democrats or the left side of the political spectrum. Most progressive policies enjoy broad, bipartisan support and are simply mainstream views held by a majority of Americans. By contrast, conservatives are clinging to an ideology and views that are seen as extreme and out of touch by a majority of Americans.

via thinkprogress.org

Latinos this is what being a Progressive Latino is all about! Read this great Think Progress article. Progressives stand for smart, responsible government. Yes we must have a strong military but we must take care of our own. These 9 progressive ideas address different and important aspects of our lives. The Progressive Latino (www.theprogressivelatino.com) Like us on Facebook!!!

Latinos, this is an amazing video on wealth distribution in America. A Harvard professor conducted the study documenting what Americans would like to see as the ideal and what they think it is to then depict what it really is. Where do you fall in this one Latino? Please visit out blog at www.theprogressivelatino and Like us on Facebook.

Bush NOT for Path to Citizenship

Jeb Bush has been cooped by the Right-wingnuts!!!  He was for a path to citizenship and just a couple days ago said he was against it - opps and now he says he is sort off for it.  Latinos, there you have it - the one sane republican just went to the right!!  Senator Garham, of one 8 senators working on immigration reform took issue with Bush, “Garham differs on that point, as do the rest of the members of the "gang of eight" working on an immigration reform plan. Their framework would allow undocumented immigrants already in the country to become citizens, but only after border security metrics were met and the immigrants went through a long process.

By the way, an article by Buzzfeed talks to a Latino Decision poll now shows that immigration is the number 1 issue even more important than the economy for Latinos.  The poll “also demonstrates that the vast majority of Latino voters — 93 percent of respondents — hope for comprehensive immigration reform legislation before the end of 2013.”  Check out the graphs depicitng the data at link here.  So what does this mean Latino?  More proof that regardless of who in the Right-wing, they do not really care for latinos to become citizens.  Bush is back peddling but he already revealed what he really stands for.  Credit for pic to blogspot.com

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GOP Rep Offers Amendment Prohibiting Obama From Playing Golf Until White House Tours Resume | ThinkProgress

On Tuesday, the Obama administration announced that the across-the-board sequester cuts will result in the cancellation of all White House tours indefinitely. This no doubt upset ticket holders, but it also seems to have struck a nerve with Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), who introduced an amendment to a continuing resolution on the federal budget that seeks to block President Obama from using federal funds for any future golf outings until the tours are reinstated:

Gohmert’s continuation of his party’s infatuation with Obama’s golf game distracts from the bigger picture: namely, that the Republican Party has thus far refused to compromise with the White House or congressional Democrats to delay or bypass entirely the sequestration, which would, among other things, fund White House tours.

And there was a suspicious lack of golf-related legislation from Gohmert when his own party took the opportunity to laud their own victory in the taxpayer-funded Congressional Challenge Cup.

via thinkprogress.org

We're sorry but TPL just can't see this and not feel the frustration it evokes when there are so many important issues. So some Right-wingnut congressman is more obsessed with Obama playing golf than doing something constructive about the sequester, which his party has decided to be against any Obama proposal. These are moments that you should keep in the back of your mind so that when it comes time to vote in 2014, you vote democrat and hope the likes of this small minded individual gets thrown out. Imagine wasting time on an amendment to the federal budget to prevent the president from playing golf. Can you think of more idiotic things. Well unfortunately yes like Palin's "bridge to nowhere" and Congressman Sanford hike in the mountains when he was really with his mistress in Argentina!! TPL. Visit us at www.theprogressivelatino.com and "Like" us on Facebook.