Precedence of American Hispanics - they are First Nations

Attacking America’s Hispanics makes no sense: They are First Nations peoples. In other words, they were here first. 

Opinion letter echo published in the Loveland Reporter-Herald in Colorado

Hispanic pride

Anti-Hispanic violence is stupid. America’s Hispanics have deeper roots here than most of us — and lower crime rates. This is their country as much as anybody’s.

The states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California all belonged to Mexico long before we acquired them. The first Spanish land grants In New Mexico are dated as early as 1598. Santa Fe was established by Spanish settlers in 1610 (Wikipedia). [The Pilgrims got as far as Plymouth Rock in 1620.] El Paso is 85% Spanish-speaking and peaceful. Or was.

The predominant colonizers of North America were Spain, France and Britain. Spanish and French settlers tended to settle in among — and learn from — the people they found here (even as Spain stole their gold).

Some Anglo settlers tried instead to kill the natives and their buffalo, and scoffed at native advice. They separated Indian children from their parents (to make them white). And they insisted on plowing the prairies and high plains, creating an enormous dust bowl. Now their remnants are attacking our resident Hispanics, because other Hispanics are seeking asylum here. How dumb!

I agree that having asylum-seekers descend upon us all at once is a bit much. But, our treatment of them is inhumane and irresponsible. We need to house them safely while increasing the rate at which their claims are processed. Then absorb those who meet our criteria and reject the rest.

Hispanic precedence in America

In addition, we should begin a “Marshall Plan” for their home countries, so they don’t need to flee in the first place. And, it would help if we stopped being the principal source of the drug dealers’ weapons and the principal market for their drugs. Come on, people; let’s be honest with ourselves.

Ann Harroun  Loveland, Colorado