Article in the Nogales International
July 15, 2005
Ernesto V. Portillo, Patagonia, Arizona
According to the Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office, our county has a total population of 38 thousand plus residents with 80.7% being of Hispanic descent. These figures are taken out of the 2000 U.S. Census.
This column then, addresses issues pertaining to this particular segment of the Santa Cruz County population, Hispanics whether U.S. citizens or residents who have the opportunity of becoming U.S. citizens.
During a recent TV program, I was listening to some commentaries by Bill Moyers, former TV anchor and excellent writer. He said that he had never seen our country as divided as it is now between those who have and those who don’t even have hope anymore.
For the 2004 elections I was invited by members of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party to join them in their specific efforts of promoting citizens’ participation in our political process. I feel it is a worthwhile project. The final results in those elections regarding voter turn out was a 56.8 for Santa Cruz County compared to 77.1% in Arizona. These figures are compared to the 2000 elections when Santa Cruz had a 57% versus 7l.7% in the state, according to the Santa Cruz Recorder’s office.
Having as a base my personal experiences, let me then express some observations regarding Hispanics in general and specifically those residing in Santa Cruz County. I make direct reference to those of Mexican American heritage whose political activities, with a few exceptions, – as a tradition – have considered politics a negative family involvement.
One of the golden dreams for some of us who have become part of America as our new country is that of living in an ambience of active, enthusiastic participation in the political process. Unfortunately, a majority does not understand that the foundation of our country is such democratic process. I use the word democratic in its better sense, based in the Greek roots of the word: demokratia, government by the people.
An incredible number of Hispanics do not vote; therefore politicians take advantage of this factor in their maneuverings.
Maclovio Barraza who was a highly recognized and respected leader in the political/social and unions movement back in the l960’s used to say in his very incisive manner: “My friend, even a glass a water that we drink has political ramifications.” This is still true today.
The lack of active participation by Hispanic voters in our democratic process is a problem that affects us educationally, economically, culturally, in the health areas and in growth opportunities as true citizens of our country. Solution to this situation requires a change of attitude beginning with our families’ recognition that our country’s way of life demands participation in the social and political process.
Such participation must include our presence in all areas that affect our lives such as schools and school districts and the different levels of government that regulate our lives. We cannot possibly continue with such poor excuses as: I don’t like politics”, or “ I have no time right now”, or “I’m not registered to vote because I don’t want to be called for jury duty”. If there is something that we believe is wrong in our community WE need to be part of solution.
If in fact we have the dream of living in a progressive society, all of us then have to become an integral part of political life in its entire process. Our lives and those of our families, our communities and of our nation depend on individual participation in the process that is admired by many other nations. A democratic way of life is the end result of citizen participation.
Statistics and the numbers regarding the tremendous growth of the Hispanic population in our country could be but a smoke screen without a true and meaningful participation of Hispanics in all our community activities.
Of course, we also must instill a rigorous community consciousness in our youth.
