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

Echo from Colorado ~ Brave March For Our Lives facing challenges

Colorado's opinion published in the Reporter Herald ~ from Ann Harroun, in Loveland Colorado

Congratulations to student marchers. March For Our Lives

Their lives just changed. 

From now on, the students who are fighting against gun violence,  will be involved citizens and voters.

My life changed in 1951, when my classmates and I went on strike over a despotic mayor, a run-down school, and teachers' salaries. Our issues pale in comparison to today's, but we unseated the mayor. Yay! We're still politically attuned, and some of us went on to serve in political office.

Things to know:

The Second Amendment was adopted when the Revolutionary War was over and the army was disbanded. (Our founders were suspicious of standing armies.) That left only a few state militias to protect our people. Hence, "A well-regulated militia. ..."

Second Amendment zealots respond with frenzied responses to every fact that challenges their claims to unlimited access to guns and weapons of mass destruction that kill people.

Follow the money. [Business Insider, "How The Gun Industry Funnels Tens of Millions of Dollars To The NRA," Jan. 16, 2013, et al.] Yet, predictably, usually, after a mass shooting, the NRA shouts, "They're coming for your guns!" 

Supporters rush out to buy more guns and ammo, industry profits rise, they kick back money to the NRA, the NRA buys more legislators. They in turn gerrymander their districts to ensure their re-election, and in all of this the voice of the public is lost. This cycle will not be overturned easily, even though most Americans may agree with the students. 

Unfortunately, March For Our Lives must prepare for a long struggle.

When you estimate votes, know that you will run up against one-issue voters. They will agree with you regarding the best candidates for gun safety, but if your candidates don't also support their one-issue (usually abortion, pro or con) they will vote against.

It is said that facts do not win elections; emotions do. 

Probably true, but decisions based solely on emotion do not hold up over time. So, learn the facts first; then build an emotional case around them.

Don't turn your backs on classmates who disagree with you. They have valid points, too, that may improve your eventual positions.

Ann Harroun, Loveland Colorado

MaineWriter ~ Thank you March For Our Lives, leaders and supporters.  Please continue your bravery in the face of the evil money, and terrorist tactics funded by the National Rifle Association. The only purpose of the NRA campaign to discredit March For Our Lives is to undermine the humanitarian efforts to protect human beings from the morbidity and mortality caused by gun violence. All gun violence is preventable.