Live Blogging at Hispanic Leadership Network

Attempting to live blog the Hispanic Leadership Network Conference in New Mexico via my iPhone. (Please excuse any typos.) Also, I will be tweeting at @BettinaInclan. Follow the conversation at #HLNNM and via the Hispanic Leadership Network’s official twitter account @HispanicLN

(9:15 am)
Rosario Marin, former U.S. Treasurer, kick off conference and welcomes large crowd to New Mexico. Introduces HLN’s Executive Director, Jenny Korn.

(9:30 am) Senator Norm Coleman of the American Action Network takes the stage and explains the purpose of HLN and hope for the organization:

“Hispanics are not just part of the American dream they are the American Dream.”

Coleman discussed shared principles between conservatives and Hispanics including commitment to faith, family and country. He also highlights economic principles, “We support low taxes because we believe you should decide how to spend your money not the government.”

“We must be more than just words,” says Senator Coleman, as he talks about the need to have a real longterm strategy to connect with Latinos. He continues to say we need to have more than just conferences, speeches and occasional newsletters. He promised a new strategy from the Hispanic Leadership Network to truly engage Hispanics nationwide.

(9:40ish am)
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush address crowd via video.

(9:44 am)
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal takes the stage. Says he is happy to be back in New Mexico as he was last here to help Susana Martinez become Governor. VIDEO: http://livestre.am/136cl

Jindal makes a great speech of the lessons he has learned from his parents. Big laughs from the crowd as the Governor tells stories of his immigrant parents adapting to living in America after immigrating to Louisiana from India. His parents told him every day “You are so lucky to be an American.”

His dad was laser focused on making sure Bobby Jindal got a good education. Jindal’s dad would say “I might not leave you an inheritance, or a great name, but I’ll make sure you have a great education.” This inspired Jindal to improve education in Louisiana and focus on how students are doing not how much money is spent per pupil. He highlights the possibilities of charter schools and the importance of school choice. Full video: http://livestre.am/136cl

Governor Bobby Jindal, Jenny Korn and Senator Norm Coleman

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Politicos gather at Congressional Hispanic Leadership Inst Gala (VIDEO)

On Wednesday night the Newseum transformed into the center of the Latino political universe as Hispanics gathered at the Washington D.C.’s  establishment for the Seventh Annual Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) gala awards.

Latino leaders from across the country flocked to the sold out event. The diverse crowd of corporate leaders, Members of Congress, grassroots activists, Hill staffers and CHLI interns rubbed elbows while catching a spectacular view of the nation’s capitol as they waited for the official program to start honoring the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, and Cesar Conde, President of the Univision Network.

Members of Congress at the CHLI awards

CHLI — a non-profit organization created by conservative members of Congress, from both sides of the political aisle –  presented the International Leadership Award to the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón and its Corporate Leadership Award to Cesar Conde, President of Univision Networks. These awards are in recognition of their respective contributions to the positive advancement of the U.S. Hispanic Community, which is now the nation’s second largest demographic group, the largest minority according to 2010 Census results, and the second largest economic market with an estimated purchasing power of more than $1 trillion.

The first award was presented to Univisoin President, Ceaser Conde who gave a heartfelt speech as he accepted CHLI’s Corporate Leadership Award. Joined by his immigrant parents (from Peru and Cuba) and his wife, the young executive discussed the major accomplishments made by Univision Network during his tenure, including the first Presidential debates by a Spanish-language station, a nation wide education initiative – Es El Momento, a townhall with President Obama, growth of the network and much more.

Discussing the realities facing the growing Latino community, Conde emphasized that “Latino issues are American issues… When Hispanics succeed the US succeeds ….”

Cesar Conde is a role model for all Hispanics,” said Lincoln Díaz-Balart (FL), CHLI Board Chairman and former member of Congress.

Throughout the night thanks were given to the many dignitaries, elected officials and special guests in attendance. A special video presentation was shown promoting CHLI’s summer intern program for college students and highlighting the dozens of students, many of which were present at the gala dinner. Yet, the main event of the night was the presentation of the International Leadership Award to President Calderon.

The Mexican President gave a strong speech, easily switching from English to Spanish, about the shared history between the two countries North American nations – U.S.A. and Mexico. He said it would be impossible to imagine the prosperity of the United States without the vast contribution of the Hispanic community. From the Napa wine country to foreign battle fields, America’s Latino community has contributed to its success.

Watch and read the full speech of the Mexican President:

“We are honored to salute and recognize President Felipe Calderon of Mexico for his courageous fight for the rule of law in his country.  President Calderon has earned the admiration of all Hispanics,” said Lincoln Díaz-Balart (FL), CHLI Board Chairman and former member of Congress in an earlier statement. Past recipients of the award include President Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of China (Taiwan), former Prime Minister of Spain Jose María Aznar, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert, Senator Robert Menéndez (NJ), former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutiérrez, Senator Lindsey Graham (SC), and U.S. Congressman Mike Pence.

One of the most interesting points of the night came during the introduction of President Calderon by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. The Congresswoman asked the Mexican President to change the policies of Mexico and end deportations of Cuba political exiles back to oppressive Cuba, especially in light of the recent death of Cuban dissident Juan Wilfredo Soto.

On a personal note, it was a great event. Seeing many dear friends from my Washington D.C. days. In 2002 I started working for Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart and found a working environment which was constantly challenging and fulfilling. The experience cemented my Republican ideology (especially after watching hours of bi-partisan floor debate). Congressman Diaz-Balart wanted to help young men and women move up in the world, and soon after he, along with various members of Congress, started CHLI. It’s great to see the growth of the organization and its continued positive impact in Washington DC and across the globe.

Mexican President Calderon and Me

 

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More “Wise Latina Women”

Many in the Hispanic community have embraced the now “infamous” phrase “wise Latina woman.” Using it as a tongue in cheek way, but also as a source of pride for real Latinas who are intelligent, successful and breaking new ground.

Recently the San Diego News Network highlighted eight of the areas top “Hispanic women leaders in politics and other areas.” The tag line of the article reads: “Sotomayor is not the only Hispanic woman with a stellar record. San Diego boasts a large pool of ‘wise Latinas.’ “

Though I probably have nothing in common with most of these women politically, I thought it was an interesting reflection of the Hispanic community.

Everyone should read about these female leaders. Their work is impacting their local communities at every level. Read more at SDNN: Eight greats‘ Wise Latina’ leaders from San Diego

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Congratulations Mom, Awarded for Commitment to the Community

Congratulations to my mom, Bettina Rodriguez-Aguilera! She won a prestigious award at the Legue of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Annual Convention in Puerto Rico. Press release below (Spanish). LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic ogranization in the USA.

My mom rocks!! For years she has dedicated her life to helping others. Among her many accomplishments, she has worked as a social worker in South Florida, organized disaster relief for the Mexican earthquake, through a non profit she created over 500 small business, helped with emergency relief and crisis management in the dozens of hurricanes, and helped organize a massive petition drive to get support for a Human Rights Resolution at the United Nations to support freedom for Political Prisoner in Cuba. Starting in LULAC in her early 20s she helped strengthen the chapter in South Florida. Ronald Regan himself asked my mom for her help with the chapter. I have an amazing mother!!

My mom recently served as the state director of Florida for LULAC. The national organization recently recognized her work with this great award:

LULAC rinde tributo a la contribución de la mujer latina

Comisión de Mujeres entrega premios a un grupo de destacadas féminas por diversas contribuciones este año

17 de julio de 2009, San Juan, PR – La Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos (LULAC, por sus siglas en inglés) celebró hoy su tradicional “Women’s Luncheon” o almuerzo en honor a la mujer, el cual celebra la contribución que ha realizado las latinas para adelantar las metas de justicia social y económicas en beneficio de los hispanos que residen en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios.

Durante el evento, nueve féminas recibieron la distinción que otorga la Comisión de Mujeres de LULAC, uniéndose así al grupo que ha recibido esta distinción durante los pasados años. Esta fueron: Ana Elba Guerrero, Argentina Dávila-Luevano, Bettina Rodríguez Aguilera, Debra González, Elvia G. Hernández, Herlinda García, Lupe Gutiérrez, Osiris Céspedes y Dora Hildalgo.

“La mujer está jugando un papel cada vez más activo e importante en todos los aspectos de la vida social americana, y su activa participación en las metas de LULAC es ejemplo de éste compromiso”, expresó Regla González, Vicepresidente Nacional de la Comisión de la Mujer de LULAC. “Hoy nos encontramos reconociendo nueve excepcionales mujeres quienes pasarán a formar parte del Salón de la Fama de LULAC. Estas increíbles féminas se han destacado por sus servicios a LULAC y por su compromiso con sus comunidades, a través de servicio voluntario”, explicó.

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G-Lo with Obama Late Night

Yesterday comedian George Lopez was on The View promoting his new projects. He showed a skit he did with Obama (I think before his November election victory.) I may not agree with Lopez politically but I do agree on his statements on the President: he spends money he doesn’t have and bails EVERYONE out. (H/T to twitteritos for the video)

I use to enjoy watching The George Lopez show (now canceled). I connected a little bit with the premise of the show, a Cuban mom married to a Mexican dad. Though my parents are nothing like the Lopez family. Thank goodness my grandmother was nothing like Lopez’s “free spirited” tv mother. Ay!! My family was much more like an altered version of “¿Qué Pasa, USA?” As a Latina its always great to see more diverse Hispanic faces in entertainment in positive roles. Congats to Lopez!

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Lessons on political activism from the Cuban George Washington

If you don’t know who Jose Marti is, you should. He was one of the primer thinkers in the Americas. Jose Marti was a renaissance man: A poet, a freedom fighter, a journalist, a philosopher, a revolutionary, a mentor, and hero for all Latin America. Americans today can learn a lot from the life and times of Marti, especially the basics of political activism.

His dedication of freedom, justice and liberty are apparent in all his work. He heroically died in battle fighting for his beliefs – independence for Cuba and freedom for all Cubans, of all races and social classes.

On a recent trip to New York I was pleasantly surprised to find a brilliant quote by Jose Marti in the Statue of Liberty. It made me proud and made me think of what people in today’s modern world could learn from him

He is exactly the kind of person we need in today’s political environment. Not only was a thinker but a doer, a man of action. If he needed money for the revolution against Spain, he got up and raised the funds. He wasn’t a person waiting for a solution. He created solutions.

In my opinion too many people these days just stand in the sidelines and complain. Unfortunately too many people fall in one of two extremes, a) they want other people to figure out the answers and will complain the entire time, b) think they

have all the answers and complain people aren’t reaching out to them.

First off, no one has all the answers, no one is perfect, but together we can find great solutions. Jose Marti understood this and surrounded himself with brilliant people. Together they worked for a common cause. (Including one of my ancestors, Francisco Vicente Aguilera.)

I wish more people would understand these basic concepts of political activism: Be part of the solution. Call yourself into action. Do not wait for an invitation. Help at ANY level you can. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel, instead work together for a common cause. Have faith in others and empower them to become leaders. Surround yourself with brighter people than yourself.

As a young girl my grandmother, who I called Yaya, taught me to recite all of his poetry. Marti’s children’s books were almost required reading for any Cuban child, La Edad de Oro. Like many my favorite story is Zapaticos de Rosas, a story that taught me about charity and love.

One of his most famous poems is Rosa Blanca, found below in its original Spanish and an English translation. (Hat tip to FIU and Carlos Ripoll essay on Jose Marti)

Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca

Por Jose Marti
Cultivo una rosa blanca
En julio como en enero,
Para el amigo sincero
Que me da su mano franca.

Y para el cruel que me arranca
El corazon con que vivo,
Cardo ni ortiga cultivo,
Cultivo una rosa blanca.

————

I Cultivate a White Rose

By Jose Marti
I cultivate a white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his hand frankly.

And for the cruel person who tears out
the heart with which I live,
I cultivate neither nettles nor thorns:
I cultivate a white rose.

Read more about Jose Marti:

• Wikipedia
• Poetry by Jose Marti
• Books

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Sen. Martinez Gives Sotomayor the Thumbs Up, Kinda’

On Tuesday it was Florida Senator Mel Martinez turn to met with Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sototmayor. Martinez, the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate, briefly spoke with Judge Sotomayor, who hopes to be the first Latina on the Supreme Court. The two greeted each other in Spanish and observers say had a good conversation.

After their meeting an elated Senator addressed the press saying he was “very, very impressed” with Judge Sotomayor. He continued by saying “I am very, very impressed with her, not only her personal qualities, but her understanding of the role of the judiciary, and the role of a judge.”

“I think she’s a very, very bright person, very, very much someone who the Supreme Court will find will fit in very well,” said Martinez. The Florida Senator stopped short of endorsing her nomination, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat.

Like most Republican Senators, Martinez said he would withhold final judgement on Sotomayor until the confirmation hearings, scheduled to begin July 13

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A Great American: Jack Kemp, RIP

I became of fan of Jack Kemp a long time ago. I remember he was one of the loud voices in the GOP who was preaching a realistic immigration approach and above all civility. I wish more people would have paid more attention to this stellar Renaissance man.

He was my kind of Republican. He called himself a bleeding-heart conservative. Kemp was true to the GOP principles and understood the need to reach out and help his fellow neighbor. He was a fiscally conservative congressman, and strong on military defense. He though racism at any level was stupid and wrong and consistently stood up against it. He had great interest in the issues of civil rights, including the plight of America’s cities, outreach to the black community and immigrants. His work as Secretary of HUD won him respect with countless minority groups and veteran associations.

He had a great gut instinct and understood the importance of inclusion. He advocated the GOP to think broader and think smarter. He publicly disapproved of then California Governor Pete Wilson support of the anti-Latino Proposition 187. This stupid ploy, that temporarily help Republicans, had a long term effect in turning Latino voters and many others against the Republican Party.

On “Meet the Press” in 1997 Jack Kemp said:

“I would like to see an America where black and white actually listen to each other. These issues can’t be solved with rhetoric but with sound positive progressive inclusive policies. I want to see the Republican Party lead that debate because we are the Party of Lincoln and we must be an inclusionary party. . . I’d like to see an America where half of all black Americans are voting democrat and the other half are voting Republican.”

Here is a great piece on Mr. Kemp from The Root.com. Also check out a great post on PositiveLiberty.com

May the lord look over him now. I hope people are inspired by his legacy and work to be more like Jack Kemp.

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