Why Politicians Need to Prove Their Support for Latinx Voters

In the last election and likely the next, both Republicans and Democrats are eager to win over more Latinx and Hispanic voters. Republicans are proud of their recent gains, with Donald Trump getting more Latinx votes than any previous Republican. But Democrats are worried after underperforming and are trying to figure out how to win them back. Both parties need to reckon with their pasts. They have a long history of disrespecting Hispanic and Latin American countries. And they haven't done enough to help Hispanic and Latinx communities in the U. S. Take Puerto Rico, for example. When a comedian made a rude comment about Puerto Rico, Democrats jumped on it. They thought it would turn off voters. But they forgot about the many ways the U. S. has treated Puerto Rico badly. In the past, U. S. leaders sent troops to attack peaceful protesters, tested experimental birth control pills on Puerto Rican women without their knowledge, and stored dangerous chemicals there. They also gave big tax breaks to businesses, which didn't help Puerto Ricans. Later, the U. S. took away those tax breaks, causing an economic crisis. Now, a project called PROMESA, meant to help, is failing.

Puerto Rico is just one case of the U. S. taking advantage of Latin and Hispanic countries. The U. S. has also interfered in other countries like Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Venezuela to help itself. At home, things aren't much better. Policies often make it hard for Latinx and Hispanic people to improve their finances. A recent study found that white families have much more wealth than Hispanic families. And these communities face more barriers to education, healthcare, jobs, and transportation. Yes, many Latinx and Hispanic voters supported President Trump this time. But they still want leaders who will truly support them, not just talk about it. Showing up every four years to ask for votes isn't enough. As a religious leader focused on social justice, I believe it's important to speak up about this. Our faith teaches us to protect the poor and marginalized. Latinx and Hispanic communities deserve leaders who care about their interests, not just say nice things. Politicians need to face the facts. The party that truly helps these communities will win in the long run.

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