Editorial:

By now you have probably heard about the US Census numbers from the 2010 Census. His-panics accounted for 56 percent of the nation’s growth; most of this growth reflects new births. While indeed these numbers are staggering for the general public, for the Hispanic community this growth has been self-evident.

   We have seen our families grow, our neighborhoods expand, and more stores catering to the Hispanic community.  Over past decade, Hispanics have moved into towns, cities, and states that couldn’t boast but a handful of Hispanics prior to the year 2000. But in the past decade, Hispanics have become the majority population in many communities across the nation.

   This expanded growth has come with a backlash from those once Anglo-Saxon dominated communities. In some communities where white voters are more prevalent, legislators have tried to limit and control the growth of the Hispanic community through the draconian power of legislation.

   We only have to look north to Escondido to see this reality played out. Escondido in the past year became a city where the Hispanic population became a majority.  The legislative body of that city, however, does not reflect this change. This decade long growth, which, according to the Census is fueled by births, not illegal immigration, continues to reflect an anti-Hispanic bias.

   For the Hispanic community, the Census numbers are not surprising, but they are raising eyebrows across the political landscape. Hispanics now represent 16% of the total population. Nearly a quarter – 23 percent – of all children age 17 or younger are Latino. These numbers are particularly troubling for the GOP which is out of touch with the Hispanic community. The GOP continues to promote anti-Hispanic rhetoric and legislation. Then again Democrats have not been particularly attentive to the needs of Hispanics either. In the recent past, the Democratic majority held Congress and Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act and has failed to agree upon an immigration policy.

   While all the new Census numbers are encouraging for Hispanics, politically speaking they don’t mean much until the Hispanic community registers to vote and then exercises that right to vote. Again as an example we have Escondido. While Hispanics make up a majority of the population, less than 20% are registered to vote.  Of those, only 9% voted in the last election. If we want our elected officials to reflect the majority population and to be accountable, then it becomes incumbent upon the Hispanic community to not only to register and vote, but to encourage others, become involved and make our voices heard.

   If the Hispanic fails to vote, the community will continue to be held hostage by a minority population that dictates policies and actions upon the Hispanic community. Increasing Hispanic census figures won’t change a thing!