Is “7” a lucky number for Latinos?

I have seen a more thorough roster of speakers for the programs to be put forth by Democrats at the four days of their presidential nominating convention, and it appears there are four more people who can speak to the “Latino experience” in this country.

So in all fairness, it should be noted there will be more than three Latinos speaking at the convention – as was reported (http://southchicagoan.blogspot.com/2008/08/nominating-conventions-not-going-to.html) last week by The South Chicagoan.

BUT I CAN’T say I’m all that impressed. My basic premise remains true – the Democrats who claim to be the preferred political party of the growing Latino population aren’t giving us all that strong a voice at their big political show.

It reinforces the notion that many of us as Democrats by default and would switch to the Republican Party – if only the GOP didn't have so many supporters who are so blatantly hostile toward our existence in the United States.

Latino speakers will be getting minor roles, mixed in with others to put on displays on bigger issues. None of the highlighted speakers who have a chance to be remembered are Latino.

So there’s a good chance that the only people who will pay attention Monday when Miguel del Valle, the Chicago city clerk who knew Obama personally when both were members of the Illinois Senate, is a speaker will be the camera operators for the Telemundo and Univision television networks.

THE SAME MAY go on Tuesday for Reps. Xavier Becerra and Linda Sanchez, both D-Calif., and Rep. Nydia Velazquez. All three were enthusiastic supporters during the primary season of the failed presidential campaign of Hillary R. Clinton, and the latter at one point insisted that Hillary had to be the V-P nominee (http://southchicagoan.blogspot.com/2008/06/obama-doesnt-need-clinton-for-latino.html) if there was any chance Latinos would actually back Barack.

Getting a speaking gig is further evidence (as if all those polls weren’t good enough for you) that many Latinos will take out their hostility toward the GOP’s nativist rhetoric on the presidential dreams of John McCain.

-30-

EDITOR’S NOTE: For those who are interested, here is the complete schedule of speakers for this week’s political fiesta (http://www.demconvention.com/schedule/) meant to make Barack Obama into a presidential contender.